Ghana in Search of Regional Integration Agenda 89 co-operation and development in all fields of economic activity particularly in the fields of industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, agriculture, natural resources, commerce, monetary and financial questions and in social and cultural matters for the purpose of raising the standard of living of its peoples, of increasing and maintaining economic stability, of fostering closer relations among its members and of contributing to the progress and development of the African continent. 111 The mandate given to ECOWAS under the 1975 Treaty was; to eliminate customs duties and other charges of equivalent effect in respect of the importation and exportation of goods between member states; the abolition of quantitative and administrative restrictions on trade among member states; the establishment of a common external tariff and a common commercial policy towards third countries; the removal of obstacles to the free movement of persons, services and capital; the harmonisation of agricultural policies and the promotion of common projects notably in the fields of marketing, research and agro-industrial enterprises; the development of joint transport, communication, energy and other infrastructural facilities as well as the evolution of a common policy in these fields and such other activities calculated to further the aims of the Community as the member states may from time to time undertake in common. 112 Subsequent attempts at achieving the objectives under the 1975 Treaty exposed some shortcomings, attributable to, among other things, the change in economic development philosophy of the countries from state domination of economic activity to increased private sector performance. This called for the participation of the private sector and civil society in the integration process. Consequently, the 1975 Treaty was revised in 1993 to, among other things, allow for the increased understanding of the process and participation by identifiable groups such as civil society organisations. Article 3(2(I) on the objectives of the Revised Treaty of ECOWAS therefore calls for “the encouragement and strengthening of relations and the promotion of the flow of information particularly among rural populations, women and youth organisations and socio-professional organisations such as associations of the media, business men and women, workers and trade unions.” 113 Over the years since its establishment, ECOWAS has chalked some significant successes in the area of conflict management within the sub-region. This notwithstanding, quite minimal achievements have been chalked vis a vis the objectives set for the organisation. Such minimal achievements can be attributed to a number of challenges not the least of which has been the lack of effective political 111 Article 2(1) of the 1975 Treaty of the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS) 112 Article 2(2) of the 1975 Treaty of the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS) 113 Article 3(2)(I) Revised Treaty of ECOWAS 1993 p. 6