Ministers responsible for gender and social affairs from across the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) met in Accra on Thursday to endorse reforms aimed at boosting the political participation and leadership of women and youth in the region.
The ministerial meeting, held on February 19, 2026, followed a prior gathering of technical experts and formed part of a regional consultation process on advancing gender parity in political life. It sought to validate the experts’ report and outline an advocacy strategy for an ECOWAS Political Declaration on Gender Parity, which is expected to be submitted to the Conference of Heads of State and Government in June.
West Africa continues to record low representation of women and young people in elected office, despite commitments under regional and international frameworks. ECOWAS officials say the proposed declaration is intended to accelerate reforms, harmonise policies and encourage member states to adopt legal and institutional measures that promote inclusive governance.
Opening the meeting, ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs Prof Fatou Sow Sarr said the region could not achieve sustainable development without the full participation of women and youth in decision-making processes.
“Democracy cannot thrive where half of the population remains underrepresented,” she said, calling on member states to move beyond rhetoric and implement concrete measures, including legislative quotas and capacity-building initiatives.
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She said the draft declaration would serve as a strategic tool to galvanise political will at the highest level and ensure accountability in implementing gender equality commitments.
Senator Chantal Fanny, President of the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA), urged ministers to adopt bold reforms to dismantle structural barriers that limit women’s access to political office.
“Women in our region continue to face cultural, financial and institutional obstacles that hinder their effective participation,” she said, adding that stronger collaboration between governments and parliaments would be critical to translating commitments into action.
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The Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, Damtien Tchintchibidja, described the initiative as part of broader regional efforts to strengthen democracy and good governance amid political transitions and security challenges in parts of West Africa.
She said empowering women and youth politically would contribute to stability and inclusive growth. “When women and young people are at the decision-making table, policies are more responsive and societies more resilient,” she said.
Ghana’s Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, who hosted the meeting, reaffirmed her country’s commitment to advancing gender equality. She said Ghana viewed inclusive political participation as central to democratic consolidation and sustainable development.
“Our region stands at a pivotal moment,” she said. “The reforms we endorse today must pave the way for more equitable representation in our parliaments, local governments and executive institutions.”
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Gender and Children, Isata Mahoi, called for sustained advocacy to ensure the declaration, once adopted by heads of state, is implemented at national level.
She stressed the importance of engaging youth organisations, civil society groups and traditional leaders in challenging discriminatory norms and promoting leadership opportunities for young women in particular.
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According to ECOWAS data, women’s representation in national parliaments across the region remains below the global average, while youth participation in formal political processes is often limited despite the demographic weight of young people in West Africa.
The experts’ report validated at the meeting outlines recommendations including the adoption or strengthening of gender quota laws, increased financing for women and youth candidates, leadership training programmes, and reforms to political party structures.
Ministers agreed to intensify advocacy ahead of the June summit, targeting heads of state and government to secure endorsement of the political declaration.
If adopted, the declaration would signal a renewed regional commitment to closing gender gaps in political representation and fostering a new generation of leaders in West Africa.
