New Patriotic Party flagbearer, Nana Akufo Addo has congratulated the newly elected Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

"As she is the first woman to occupy this position, the challenge of her election is obvious. I have no doubt that, just as she has acquitted herself creditably in her leadership of Liberia, she will discharge this responsibility effectively”, a statement issued by Nana Addo, on Tuesday, said.

“With her set objective being the realization of “Vision 2020”, which envisions a secure and socially cohesive West Africa, I urge her to use the opportunity to hasten the process of democratic consolidation and West African integration. This will impact positively on the lives of the 350 million people who live in West Africa, as it will, amongst others, allow for the free movement of people, goods and services across borders, thereby assisting in the transformation of West Africa’s economies, creating jobs for its peoples, and providing decent lives for its populations in conditions of freedom and respect for human rights and the rule of law.

“Congratulations to her once again, and best wishes and God’s blessings for her success in this new role.”

She will replace the President of Senegal, Macky Sall whose tenure has come to an end.

President Sall replaced Ghana’s President, John Mahama in 2015.

The new chairperson’s tenure will expire in 12 months.