The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has confirmed the appointment of new officials to occupy critical roles within its institutions from 2026 to 2030. This decision was made public in a communique issued after the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, which convened recently in Lungi, Sierra Leone.
The newly appointed officials include five commissioners for the ECOWAS Commission, five judges for the ECOWAS Court of Justice, an auditor-general for ECOWAS institutions, and the director-general of the West African Health Organization (WAHO).
The judges appointed to the ECOWAS Court include Awa Bah from The Gambia, Charlyne Brumskine from Liberia, Désiré Aihou from Benin, Henrietta Didigu from Nigeria, and Yaouza Ouro-Sama, who is the current Chief Register, from Togo.
New commissioners replacing outgoing officials include Mrs. Francess Alghali from Sierra Leone, who will oversee political affairs, peace, and security; Mr. Dehpue Zuo from Liberia, in charge of economic affairs and agriculture; and Dr. Kalilou Sylla from Ivory Coast, responsible for internal services. Additionally, Mr. Amin Suleiman from Ghana will handle infrastructure, energy, and digitalisation, while Prof. Nassirou Bako-Arifari from Benin will oversee human development and social affairs.
Meanwhile, the role of Auditor-General for ECOWAS institutions has been assigned to Ms. Carla Bettencourt from Cape Verde, while Dr. Palokinam Pitche from Togo will take on the responsibilities of Director-General of WAHO. Mr. Mam Jallow from The Gambia will lead the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa.
The communique also noted that Nigeria has been granted an additional two weeks to finalize matters regarding the ECOWAS vice-president position allocated to the country. The authority expressed gratitude to the outgoing president of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, for his lead role in the community and welcomed his successor, Gen. Birame Diop from Senegal, citing confidence in his capabilities to advance regional integration.
The summit was chaired by Dr. Julius Bio, the President of Sierra Leone, and attended by various heads of state and dignitaries from across the region, emphasizing the collaborative efforts toward addressing regional challenges.
