..................... is the highest body in ECOWAS organogram

Analyze the question: You're asked which body sits at the top of the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) institutional structure.

Concept: ECOWAS was founded in 1975 by the Treaty of Lagos and revised in 1993. Its main institutions are:

1. Authority of Heads of State and Government: the supreme institution. It sets the general direction and policy of the Community, and it appoints key officials and controls the organization.
2. Council of Ministers: it oversees the running and development of the Community and makes recommendations to the Authority. It is made up of the ministers in charge of ECOWAS affairs and finance.
3. Community Parliament: it represents the peoples of West Africa.
4. Community Court of Justice: it interprets the Treaty and settles disputes.
5. Executive Secretariat (now the Commission): it handles day-to-day administration and implements decisions.
6. Specialised bodies: for example, the Defence and Security Council, the Mediation and Security Council, and technical commissions.

Solution:

• B. Executive Secretariat: administrative and implementing, so it is not the highest.
• C. Defense Council: a specialised security body that reports to the Authority.
• D. Council of Ministers: it advises and makes recommendations to the Authority, so it ranks below it.
• A. Authority of Heads of State and Government: the supreme decision-making body of ECOWAS.

Answer: A. Authority of Head of State and Government

Exam tip: Remember the phrase "Authority = Apex." In ECOWAS, the Authority is at the top, as in the African Union, where the Assembly of Heads of State and Government is also supreme. If an option mentions "Heads of State," it is usually the supreme body.