(a) Draw a sketch map of West Africa. On the map, locate and name: (i) two ECOWAS countries along the coast (ii) two ECOWAS countries in the interior (iii) ...

(a) Sketch map of West Africa

The sketch map below shows two ECOWAS coastal countries, two ECOWAS interior countries and the capitals of the four countries.

Key: Ghana and Nigeria are coastal ECOWAS countries. Mali and Burkina Faso are interior ECOWAS countries. The capitals shown are Accra, Abuja, Bamako and Ouagadougou.

(b) Problems facing ECOWAS

1. Poor transport and communication: Inadequate roads, railways, sea links and communication facilities make movement of people and goods between member states difficult.
2. Differences in currencies: The use of different national currencies makes trade and payment between member countries more difficult and costly.
3. Political instability: Coups d'état, civil unrest, wars and insecurity in some member states disrupt regional cooperation and development projects.

(c) Possible solutions

1. Member states should jointly improve roads, railways, ports, air transport and telecommunication links within West Africa.
2. ECOWAS should work towards the adoption of a common currency and harmonised monetary policies.
3. Member states should promote good governance, respect constitutional rule and cooperate in peacekeeping and conflict resolution.