The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is expected to launch a Non-state Actors Survey in the country today.

The survey is part of the regional body's endeavor to move from state to that of the people aimed at integrating development in the West African states.

Specific objective of the survey is to collect data required to develop the Non-State Actors (NSA) data base in the ECOWAS region, identifying its capacity, source of funding, networks and contribution to the regional integration process.

As part of its economic integration, ECOWAS has planned to introduce a single currency through its West African Monetary Zones (WAMZ) for English speaking West African states in 2015 and 2020 for all West African states.

Against the background, a multilateral Surveillance Mechanism (MSM), through the National Coordinating Committee (NCC) has been established in each member country in West Africa to ensure that these countries meet up with the convergence criteria.

Activities leading to the formal launch of the survey commenced on January 24 with a meeting with ECOWAS focus person in the country and its secretariat followed by the formal launching ceremony on January 25 by the Planning Ministry in collaboration with ECOWAS at the SKD Sports Complex at 9:00 A.M.

The entire activities end on January 26 with another meeting with ECOWAS focuses person, NCC member and staff.

Over 96 representatives from civil society organizations, NGOs, women groups are expected to be in attendance.

The Rev. Bartholomew B. Colley, Executive Director, Research Center for Community Empowerment and Integrated Development Inc. is expected to give remarks on behalf of the Non-State Actors.