President George Weah has called on ECOWAS States to ensure sustainable development in the sub-region and the continent itself must be based on the choices that they make and the processes by which these choices are made.
He noted that the importance of good governance to achieve sustainable development has never been more important to ECOWAS present and future prosperity than now. According to him, this makes the theme for this year’s Congress particularly relevant, as they search for lasting solutions to the many problems of underdevelopment that are common to the Member States of ECOWAS.
Speaking from the theme: “Good Governance and Sustainable Development for Regional Prosperity”, President Weah said it corresponds with the core of the United Nation’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s 2063 aspirations for Africa.
He said it will not only ensure that there is broad consensus and acceptance of the governance processes that are used in member states’ decision-making but will also enable them to achieve stable and long-term economic growth, proportionate balanced economic, social development, and beneficial employment policies.
The Liberian Leader noted that it will also be able to see a reduction of regional differences, growth of personal income and consumption, preservation of the environment for future generations, and efficient usage and allocation of natural resources as enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mr. Weah serving as keynote speaker informed his audience that, it is important to recognize the importance of the accountancy profession in the ECOWAS Region. According to him, accountancy professionals, whether in the private or public sector, provide accounting expertise to guide financial planning and to maintain fiscal discipline.
President George Weah stressed that accountancy professionals lead or assist their institutions with the development and implementation of their corporate strategy and advisory services, institute measures to reduce costs by being efficient in their services, and mitigate and hedge against various types of risks while maintaining high ethical standards.
“This forms the core of public trust, confidence, and value, and provides the basis for accountability and probity in our governance systems. By so doing, Ladies and Gentlemen of the accountancy profession here present, you have earned our respect and gratitude”, Mr. Weah asserted.
The Liberian Leader commend the leadership of the professional accountancy body, the Liberian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (LICPA), for their diligence and steadfastness in working with other regional professionals to host the historic Joint Congress in Liberia for the first time. He at the same time welcomed the participants to the country.
The ECOWAS/ABWA Joint Congress of 2022, is being held at the Farmington Hotel, Harbel, Margibi County, Liberia. The Joint Congress is dedicated to showcasing the potential and strength of the accountancy profession in Liberia, the West African sub-region, and beyond; and it is intended to enhance the economic growth of both the private and public sectors of the regional block through the development of professional networks of competence and high standards.
Photo credit: Executive Mansion
