(a) List four Organs of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). (b) Outline four obstacles that hinder the implementation of the aims and ob...

Answer Details

(a) Four organs of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

1. The Authority of Heads of State and Government: the supreme organ that gives general direction and takes major decisions.
2. The Council of Ministers: which makes recommendations to the Authority and oversees the functioning of the community.
3. The Community Parliament: the representative/advisory assembly of the peoples of member states.
4. The Community Court of Justice: which interprets the treaty and settles disputes among member states.

(Other acceptable organs: the Executive Secretariat/Commission; the specialised technical commissions; the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development.)

(b) Four obstacles hindering the implementation of the aims and objectives of ECOWAS

1. Multiplicity of currencies: The existence of different national currencies of varying value hampers the free movement of goods, trade and a common market.
2. Colonial language and cultural differences: The division between anglophone, francophone and lusophone states creates barriers to cooperation and mutual trust.
3. Political instability: Frequent coups, civil wars and internal conflicts in member states disrupt cooperation and integration.
4. Loyalty of francophone states to France: The strong economic and political ties of French-speaking members to France divide their allegiance and weaken commitment to ECOWAS.

(Other acceptable obstacles: inadequate funding and failure of members to pay dues; poor transport and communication links; over-dependence of members on external powers; fear of Nigerian domination; smuggling and border problems.)