By Calvin Brooks/LINA
The Chairman of the Twenty- First Meeting of the Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) of ECOWAS, Mr. Benedict Roberts, has pledged the Committee’s unflinching support to the commission.
He stated that the first line of examiners are charged with the responsibility to critically review and thereafter determine whether or not the expenditures of the programs, projects and activities of ECOWAS are in line with the Community’s Strategic Framework (CSF) goals and objectives.
Chair Roberts made the pledge Thursday at the opening ceremony of the Twenty-First Meeting of the AFC held at the Monrovia City Hall.
He reiterated that at the AFC level they are prepared to support the commission and its specialized institutions in its determination to implement the work of the community.
He, however, noted that the relationship between the AFC and these institutions appears to exist only during the AFC meeting, and pointed out that it is incumbent upon all to improve the lukewarm relationship in the interest of the community, noting that “we all belong to one big community family.”
Roberts pointed out that the AFC’s interventions should be demonstrated in the impact the programs or projects make in improving the lives of citizens of the community.
The Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) meeting is one of four mid-year statutory meetings to be hosted prior to the 51st ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit to be held from Thursday, June 1, to Friday, June 2.
It will be followed by the Ministerial Ad-Hoc Committee on Institutional Reform meeting which takes place from Monday, May 29, to Tuesday, May 30.
The third statutory meeting, the Mediation and Security Council Committee takes place on Wednesday, May 31 to be followed by the 78th Meeting of the Council of Ministers, which takes place from Thursday, June 1to Friday, June 2.
The Summit of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government is scheduled for June 4.