Mahama pledges 1000 university scholarships for ECOWAS students to study in Ghana

President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that Ghana will provide  1,000 university scholarships to students from all over ECOWAS sub-region, as a step towards strengthening regional ties through the promotion of educational initiative and collaborative endeavors.

President Mahama revealed it during launch of the 50th anniversary celebrations of ECOWAS in Accra on Tuesday April 22, 2025. The celebration, themed: “Celebrating 50 Years of West African Unity and Integration”, gathered state leaders, senior government officials, and representatives of the ECOWAS Commission.

President Mahama stated that “To mark this moment and strengthen regional bonds, Ghana is offering a thousand scholarships to tertiary students from across the ECOWAS sub-region to study in our universities.”

He termed the initiative as a practical step towards building unity among West African youth. He said that “This is not just a gesture. It is a bridge to a future where our young people will grow up seeing each other not as foreigners but as partners.”

Mr Mahama emphasized that diplomatic efforts should extend beyond disputes resolution but involves fostering a culture of peace and understanding, inclusion and progress. He called for greater investment in youth and education with the objective of promoting regional integration and cooperation.

He added that “Our drive for integration through diplomacy must extend to economic, social and cultural areas,” he said. “Whether it is harmonising trade negotiations or advancing cooperation in education and health, our diplomatic tools must always work in the service of our people.”

The scholarship programme will be implemented through a collaborative framework with Ghana’s public universities and guided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.

ECOWAS, established in 1975, was founded to promote economic partnership and political harmony among West African states. As the community marks a significant anniversary in its 50th anniversary. President Mahama encouraged leaders to undertake tangible measures to make the regional bloc more important to citizens, particularly the youth.

READ: Mahama to ECOWAS: Don’t isolate Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso