(a) State two objectives of the Economics Community of West African States (ECOWAS). (b) Identify...

Explanation

(a) Objectives of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS):

(i) Promote economic co-operation.

(ii) Promote trade among member countries.

(iii) Ensure cultural co-operation such as sports, education, etc.

(iv) Contribute to a common fund.

(v) Cooperate in joint military operation, e.g. ECOMOG.

(vi) Promote free movement of people without visa.

(vii) Promote peace among member countries.

(viii) Create joint partnership for the development of transport.

(ix) Take a common stand on world issues

(x) Eventually establish a common currency.

(b) Problems Hindering the Achievement of ECOWAS Objectives:

(i) Language barrier. (ii) Differences in political ideology. (iii) Differences in currency.

(iv) Political instability. (v) Poor transportation and communication network. (vi) Non-payment of dues.

(vii) Allegiance to former colonial masters. (viii) Problem of debt burden.

(ix) Multifarious organizations/existence of economic blocks. (x) Existence of trade barriers.

(xi) Fear of domination. (xii) Excessive travel documentation. (xiii)Non-implementation of agreed programmes.

(xiv) Smuggling/economic sabotage. (xv) Similarity of products.

(c) Ways in which the Problems can be Solved:. (i) Improved transport and communication network.

(ii) Good governance or political stability. (iii) Prompt payment of dues.

(iv) Improved border patrols.

(v) Trade liberalization. (vi) Discouragement of smaller unions.

(vii) Implementation of agreed programmes.

(viii) Diversification of economy. (ix) Teaching of modern languages in schools

(x) Establishing and using a common currency.

(xi) Respect for ideologies of individual states.

(xii) Less cumbersome travel documentation procedures.

(xiii) Reassurance of sovereignty of states. (xiv) More commitment to ECOWAS.