In a statement dated October 22, 2025, Dr. Ayariga emphasized that the original purpose of ECOWAS agreements was to promote peace, unity, and cooperation among member states, not to provide cover for criminals or those who threaten the stability of sovereign nations.
He described as unjust and unacceptable the growing trend where certain foreign nationals, after violating Ghana’s laws, attempt to seek refuge under ECOWAS privileges while ordinary Ghanaians face prosecution for similar offences. According to him, this imbalance poses a serious threat to justice and national integrity.
Dr. Ayariga stressed that no international treaty or regional agreement should supersede the sovereignty of Ghana or compromise the principle of equal justice before the law. He insisted that Ghana’s legal system must apply equally to all persons, irrespective of nationality or political connections.
He further cautioned that ECOWAS must not become a safe haven for individuals or groups who endanger the peace, unity, and dignity of member countries. Instead, the regional bloc should ensure that its mechanisms strengthen law and order, rather than erode it.
According to Dr. Ayariga, Ghana’s cooperation with ECOWAS should always be guided by the country’s constitutional duty to protect its citizens and uphold its sovereignty. He urged policymakers to ensure that all treaties signed by the state are consistent with Ghana’s national interest.
The APC leader also called on government institutions, security agencies, and the judiciary to remain vigilant and uncompromising when dealing with offences that threaten national security, regardless of the perpetrators’ background or nationality.
He noted that while regional unity and integration are essential for Africa’s progress, they must never come at the expense of a nation’s independence or the safety of its people. True cooperation, he said, must be rooted in mutual respect, accountability, and fairness.
Dr. Ayariga reaffirmed his belief in ECOWAS as an important institution for West Africa’s growth but urged leaders to reform its protocols to reflect current realities, especially concerning cross-border crimes and justice enforcement.
He concluded by reminding ECOWAS leaders that Ghana’s sovereignty is sacred and that the pursuit of regional harmony must never override the nation’s responsibility to uphold justice and safeguard its citizens.
Read the full statement below:
Dr. Alhaji Hassan Ayariga writes
October 22, 2025
Statement on ECOWAS Treaties and Justice
The ECOWAS treaties and protocols were established to promote peace, unity, and cooperation among member states, not to shield individuals who commit crimes against humanity or crimes against a sovereign nation.
It is unacceptable and unjust for foreigners who violate Ghana’s laws and threaten our national security to be protected under the guise of ECOWAS privileges, while Ghanaian citizens are prosecuted for the very same offences.
No treaty, agreement, or regional protocol should override the sovereignty of Ghana or the principle of equal justice before the law. ECOWAS must never become a refuge for those who endanger peace, stability, and the dignity of our nation.
Ghana’s commitment to regional cooperation must always be balanced with its duty to protect its people and uphold its laws without fear or favour.
Thank you.