Mahama announces 1,000 scholarships for ECOWAS students

President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a new scholarship initiative aimed at offering 1,000 scholarships to tertiary students from across the ECOWAS sub-region. The announcement, made during the official launch of the ECOWAS 50th Anniversary celebrations in Accra on Tuesday, April 4, reflects Ghana’s continued commitment to strengthening ties within West Africa.

Addressing an audience at the landmark event, President Mahama emphasized the crucial role of education in bridging socio-cultural gaps and promoting peaceful co-existence among the youth of the West African region. He spoke passionately about the need for a united, interconnected ECOWAS, where young people are empowered to work together across borders.

“Let us position our sub-region not only as a political and economic block but as a diplomatic anchor for the continent, a model of integration, dialogue, and peaceful co-existence,” Mahama said, highlighting the importance of collaboration in tackling regional challenges.

The newly launched scholarship programme aims to open doors for students across ECOWAS member states to pursue higher education at Ghanaian universities. In his speech, the President framed the initiative not just as a simple educational opportunity but as a vital act of solidarity, a gesture that goes beyond education and symbolizes Ghana’s commitment to regional unity.

“This is not just a gesture; it is an act of solidarity,” he stated. “It is a bridge to a future where our young people will grow up seeing each other not as foreigners but as partners.”

The scholarships, set to benefit students from a variety of fields, are intended to enhance cross-cultural exchange and foster a generation of leaders who are well-equipped to address the challenges and opportunities of a unified West Africa.