ECOWAS is strengthening its social protection systems through a 5-day workshop in Abuja from 16th to 20th September 2024. The workshop, led by experts in collaboration with the TRANSFORM hub affiliated to the ILO, FAO, UNICEF, and the African WFP, aims to build a network of skilled social protection leaders across West Africa. It follows a system-strengthening approach to enhance the design and efficiency of social systems.

The workshop focuses on increasing the capacity of ECOWAS staff, to implement the ECOWAS Social Protection Framework and its Operational Plan effectively while fostering collaboration among social protection actors within the region. It represents a critical step toward building an inclusive social protection in West Africa, positioning ECOWAS to address broader socio-economic challenges.

The ongoing workshop comes less than a year after the landmark validation of the ECOWAS Social Protection Framework and its Operational Plan in November 2023. At that time, social protection experts and ministers from ECOWAS member states gathered to endorse the framework, marking a historic moment for the region. This document was later recommended to the ECOWAS Council of Ministers for adoption by social protection ministers. The Framework and its Operational Plan was subsequently adopted during the 92nd Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers.

The ECOWAS Social Protection Framework and its Operational Plan holds the potential to address some of the most pressing challenges facing member states in the design and implementation of social protection programs. Notably, it aims to tackle critical issues such as financing, coverage gaps, and coordination—challenges that have long hindered the region’s ability to provide comprehensive social safety nets for its citizens.

In her opening remarks, the ECOWAS Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs Dr. Sintiki Tarfa–Ugbe represented by Dr. Daniel Amankwaah, P.P.O, Law Enforcement (Drugs) emphasized the vital role of improved social protection systems in Africa’s broader fight against poverty. She highlighted how strengthening these systems directly supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1, which aims to eradicate poverty in all its forms. Specifically, the framework aligns with SDG target 1.3, which calls for the establishment of nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, particularly for the most vulnerable groups.

Additionally, the training aligns with ECOWAS’s own strategic objectives, as outlined in the 4×4 Strategic Objectives and the ECOWAS Community Strategic Framework (Strategic Orientation 16). The Regional ECOWAS Social Protection Framework is a key element in realizing these goals.

Dr. Sintiki noted that improving coordination among these stakeholders is essential for ensuring that the framework delivers its intended impact. By empowering social protection leaders and reinforcing regional cooperation, ECOWAS is laying the groundwork for a more robust and inclusive social safety net across West Africa, positioning the region to better address the social and economic challenges it faces, she added.

Mrs. Adebisi Arije, Partnership Manger (ECOWAS) UNICEF, praise the ECOWAS Social Protection Framework as a strong sign of the importance attached to the Social Protection and strengthening of social protection systems and mechanisms, which includes humanitarian and fragile settings. The UN organizations consider this a milestone and are willing to support ECOWAS and its Member States in its full implementation.

The Introduction to Social Protection Systems (TRANSFORM) training workshop sets the stage for future progress, demonstrating ECOWAS’s commitment to creating a more secure and equitable future for the people of West Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, concluded yesterday a two-day visit to Benin.

During his visit, Mr. Simão was received in audience by his H.E. Patrice Talon, President of the Republic of Benin. He also met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, H.E. Olushegun Adjadji Bakari.

With his interlocutors, the Special Representative discussed various topics related to the regional and national situation. He stressed the importance for the countries of the subregion to act together to curb insecurity and instability that affect populations and their development. Mr. Simão reiterated the commitment of UNOWAS and the United Nations system to work in coordination with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other partners to support the efforts of countries in the sub-region to strengthen peace, stability and sustainable development.

Mr. Simão also met with the former President of the Republic of Benin, H.E. Yayi Boni. Their discussion focused on issues related to peace and security in West Africa and the Sahel. He also met with the United Nations country team and the diplomatic corps.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).

The Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security, of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission is organizing an Engagement with Political Parties to Promote Participatory and Inclusive Electoral Process in Ghana from 17 to 20 September 2024. This Engagement is part of ECOWAS’ support to accompany Ghanaians in their determination to consolidate on the country’s democratic credentials as the country prepares to hold its ninth successive elections on 7th December 2024.

The Engagement, which adopts an innovative and fit-for-purpose approach aims to reinforce the capacity of political parties’ officials on democratic values, peaceful and inclusive electoral processes, campaign/political party finance and electoral integrity as a measure to deepen their role in consolidating democratic gains in Ghana. The Engagement avails political parties and other stakeholders to reflect and share their experiences on how they have fared on evolving electoral issues and agreed among themselves on the best way to address these challenges as electoral events unfold.

Delivering his Opening statement at the Engagement, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, represented by Mr. Ebenezer Ofosu Asiedu, Head of Democracy and Good Governance encouraged political parties to continue conducting their activities in a manner that support peaceful and credible electoral process, as Ghana remains a model of thriving democracy in ECOWAS region. He further reiterates ECOWAS’ firm commitment and readiness to accompany Ghana in ensuring that the forthcoming polls are inclusive, credible and transparent.

Representatives of major political parties, including the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), National Democratic Congress (NDC), Convention Peoples Party (CPP), Peoples National Party (PNP), Ghana Union Movement (GUM), Progressive People’s Party (PPP) are attending the Engagement. Also in attendance at the Engagement are representatives from the Office of the Special Prosecutor, Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Judicial Service Commission, Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Media houses and Civil Society Organizations.

The ECOWAS Commission will also facilitate similar engagement with Media practitioners and CSO actors from 24 – 27 September to enhance their capacities on countering fake news, misinformation, disinformation and inciting statements during the electoral period.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The upsurge of mpox in a number of countries in the region highlights the need for vigilance and response to emerging disease threats. This week USAID provided support for the World Health Organization to procure two kits (96 tests each) of advanced polymerase chain reaction tests to aid mpox detection.  This is in addition to the previous provision on September 1 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of one kit with 96 tests.  These kits equip the South Sudan National Public Health Laboratory with essential tools to rapidly test and enhance detection of the virus.  To date, these kits have enabled South Sudan to perform 74 tests, of which all have been negative.

USAID Acting Mission Director Yohannes Araya emphasized, “The U.S. is committed to global health security and improving the health of the people of South Sudan. We are pleased to deliver these important testing supplies to halt the spread of mpox in the region.”

In 2023, the United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), delivered a first tranche of $5 million for infectious disease surveillance and response as part of a comprehensive strategy to build Global Health Security.  In 2024, the U.S. contribution to outbreak prevention, detection and response increased to $7 million.   As we continue to provide this assistance, we call upon the transitional government to increase its use of public revenue to support the health sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in South Sudan.