Theory question 115
West Africa and ECOWASWrite a geographical account of ECOWAS under the following headings (a) Aims and objectives (b) Membership (c) Problems (d) Possible solutions
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(a) Formed 1975 (Treaty of Lagos) to promote economic co-operation and integration; remove trade barriers and tariffs; free movement of people, goods and services; common external tariff; joint development of transport, communications, agriculture and industry; raise living standards
(b) Sixteen West African states, e.g. Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Benin, Togo, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, Mauritania
(c) Different languages and currencies (French/English); members produce similar goods; poor transport links; political instability and border closures; unpaid contributions; loyalty to former colonial powers and other blocs; smuggling
(d) Common currency; better road/rail links (Trans-West African highway); political stability and democracy; members paying dues; diversifying production
Name real member countries.