ECOWAS to establish regional centre for renewable energy

From Benjamin Mensah, GNA Correspondent, Abuja, Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria, June 21, GNA - Member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have decided to establish a regional centre for renewable energy, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, President of the regional bloc said on Friday. He said the states recognised a lot of potentials in the energy sector and the need to complement the efforts of one another for sustainable energy supply.

Speaking to journalists ahead of an ECOWAS summit scheduled for June 22 in Abuja, Dr Chambas observed that nations of the Commission needed more collaboration than ever in the wake of the global financial crisis.

Ghana's President John Evans Atta Mills, accompanied by government officials including Finance Minister Kwabena Duffuor, Energy Minister Oteng Adjei and Foreign Affairs Minister Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni are already in the Nigerian capital to attend the summit. While in Abuja, President Mills held talks with Nigerian leader Umaru Musa Yar'Adua and secured a deal for Nigeria to supply crude oil to Ghana on friendly terms.

Under the deal, Nigeria would supply Ghana between 60,000 and 65,000 barrels of crude oil daily to Ghana on a 90-day credit. The Nigerian government also pledged to ensure regular flow of gas through the West African Gas pipeline project to bolster Ghana's energy needs.

The mid-year summit is expected to provide the platform for consultations on the second monetary zone within the context of the West African Monetary Zone with a new timetable for its implementation. The leaders will also discuss the impact of the global financial crisis and fashion out responses to mitigate the impact and help cushion their economies.

On the agenda of the summit is also the political situation in the sub-region including the recent challenges facing Guinea Bissau as the country prepares for general election on June 28, 2009. The Heads of State would also examine the challenges in Niger and Mali, as well as the emergence of drug trafficking and how to combat it.