Liberia’s Finance and Development Planning Minister, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, leads as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Convergence Council of Ministers and Central Bank Governors. Delivering the acceptance speech in Margibi County during the weekend, Minister Ngafuan said that assuming the chairmanship of the ECOWAS Convergence Council is a crucial role in promoting economic integration among ECOWAS member states.
He noted that his appointment reflects Liberia’s growing influence in the regional economy, and under Liberia’s leadership, the Council will focus on promoting economic development and cooperation among member states. According to him, Liberia is honored to assume a leadership role and looks forward to working with regional colleagues to promote the economy and development in the region. He said the ECOWAS Convergence Council plays a critical role in shaping the region’s economic future, and Liberia is dedicated to regional economic integration and cooperation, pledging to work tirelessly to promote the interests of all member states.
The Minister stated that the conflict in the region and the global economic challenges cannot be underestimated, thus promising to overcome them with unity and cooperation from the council. “My election to the chairmanship is not just about reaching a target on paper but about working together to make the region work for all. We will work tirelessly to promote economic integration, development, and cooperation among member states and ensure that regional integration benefits are felt by all citizens.”
The ECOWAS Convergence Council of Ministers and Governors is a high-level decision-making body responsible for promoting economic integration and cooperation among the 15 member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The council promotes economic integration among member states by harmonizing economic policies and laws. It oversees the implementation of monetary policies aimed at promoting economic stability and cooperation, coordinating fiscal policies among member states to ensure economic stability and cooperation, and promoting regional development by identifying and implementing projects that benefit all member states. Each member state is represented by its Minister of Finance and its Central Bank Governor. The Council meets regularly to discuss economic issues and make decisions.
By Joseph Sirleaf
