General News of Sunday, 20 March 2005

Source: GNA

ECOWAS launches moves to popularise its anthem and emblems

Accra, March 20, GNA-- The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) anthem currently in English language is to be translated into French and incorporated into the educational curricular activities of member countries.

The move is to enable all pupils and students in schools to learn the anthem in order to imbibe in them the spirit and solidarity of ECOWAS as a way of further pushing the integration process.

Dr. Adrienne Yande Diop, ECOWAS Director of Communication announced this on Saturday in Accra at a week's seminar for journalists from seven sub-regional countries.

The seminar is being attended by 15 journalists drawn from seven countries who would be abreast with reporting on ECOWAS issues under the auspices of the German government in collaboration with the Ghana Journalists Association.

She said in addition to that, all 15 ECOWAS member states have been tasked to fly the ECOWAS flag, which would soon be distributed to nations.

Dr Diop said there was the need for member states to intensify efforts as well as generate new ways to make the dream of integration in the sub-region a reality.

She said the integration process seemed to be at a slow pace and added that member states must be more committed and robust, concerning the realisation of ECOWAS objectives.