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The functions of the Authority of Heads of State and Government



THE AUTHORITY OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT
Composition 
The Authority of Heads of State and Government is  the highest organ of the Economic Community of West African States. The authority comprises all Heads of State and Governments of member states. 

FUNCTIONS AND POWERS
General Direction and Control
The general direction and control of the Economic Community of West African States is provided by the Authority of Heads of States and Government. It is the body that adopts appropriate policies for the development of ECOWAS sub-region.

Determination of Major Guidelines
The Authority of Heads of State and Government determines the policy and guidelines of the Community. It also co-ordinates the various policies of the member states to ensure uniform development in the various fields such as social and economics, science, culture, etc.

Supervise ECOWAS Institutions
The Authority supervises the activities of the various institutions established by the community, to make sure they function properly and follows up to ensure that the aims and objectives of the Community are implemented to the letter.

Appoints President of the ECOWAS Commission
According to the ECOWAS treaty, a commission must be set with a president heading it. The president of that Commission, so established, is appointed by the Authority of Heads of State and Government. 

Refer cases to the Community Court of Justice
Legal actions could be taken against a member state of the community for failure to honour her obligations. The same thing could be done to any institution of the community, if it acted beyond the powers granted it under the treaty of ECOWAS. It is the the responsibility of the Authority of Heads of State and Government to refer such legal matters to the Community Court of Justice.

Request for Legal Advice
If the Authority is faced with any legal problems or how to deal with the legal implication of any of their decisions, it is the responsibility of the Authority of Heads of State and Government to request the Community Court of Justice for its legal opinion on the matter.

SAMPLE QUESTION
1. a. Describe the composition of the Authority of Heads of State and Government.
     b. Highlight five functions that are performed by the Authority.
2. Which six functions are performed by the Authority of Heads of State and Government?


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