Theory question 108
West Africa and ECOWAS(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) the capitals of any three of the countries in 8(a)(i) and (ii) above. (b) Highlight three problems facing the Economic Community of West African States. (c) Suggest possible solutions to the problems in 8(b) above.
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(a) Coastal: Nigeria (Abuja), Ghana (Accra), Senegal (Dakar), Côte d'Ivoire (Yamoussoukro/Abidjan), Liberia (Monrovia), Sierra Leone (Freetown); interior: Mali (Bamako), Niger (Niamey), Burkina Faso (Ouagadougou).
(b) Different currencies; language barriers (English, French, Portuguese); political instability and conflicts; similar products limiting trade; poor transport links; members' loyalty to other blocs and former colonial powers; non-payment of dues; smuggling and border restrictions.
(c) Common currency; teaching of common languages; peace-keeping (ECOMOG) and good governance; diversify production; build regional roads and railways; members to pay dues; harmonise policies and remove trade barriers.
Use a key to separate coastal and interior countries.