By: Aminata Sesay
Persons with disabilities in northern Sierra Leone have called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to ensure that its regional development initiatives are inclusive and accessible to all, particularly marginalized groups.
The appeal was made during a two-day regional sensitization campaign organized by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), through the ECOWAS National Office, in collaboration with the Office of the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Sierra Leone. The sessions, held on November 6th and 7th in Makeni and Port Loko, were part of activities marking ECOWAS’ 50th Anniversary.
At the event in Bombali, Madam Fatmata Osman Kuyateh, Vice Chairperson of the National Head Teachers Council, urged ECOWAS to include persons with disabilities in its regional programs and interventions. She emphasized that inclusive participation in education, skills development, and employment is vital for equitable growth.
“Many young people with disabilities in our communities feel left behind. We want ECOWAS to support national and local initiatives that promote accessibility, empowerment, and self-reliance,” Madam Kuyateh appealed.
In response, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Titus-Williams, Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive growth in alignment with ECOWAS Vision 2050 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. He noted that sustainable development must benefit all citizens, regardless of physical ability or social status.
“Our partnership with ECOWAS is rooted in the principle of leaving no one behind. We are determined to ensure that all citizens—including persons with disabilities have equal access to opportunities for education, employment, and participation in governance,” Dr. Titus-Williams said.
Ambassador John Azumah, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Sierra Leone, welcomed the recommendations and pledged to convey them to the ECOWAS Commission. He reiterated that regional development must be inclusive, people-centered, and responsive to the needs of all citizens.
“ECOWAS recognizes that inclusion strengthens democracy and stability. We will continue to engage member states and civil society to ensure that disability inclusion remains a central part of our regional agenda,” Ambassador Azumah affirmed.
Key presentations by Dr. Robert Moikowa, Deputy Development Secretary, and Mr. Komba Momoh, Head of the ECOWAS National Office, highlighted ECOWAS’ ongoing support to Sierra Leone, including the construction of the ECOWAS Logistics Depot at Lungi, plans for a Joint Border Post at Jendema, and initiatives under the Volunteer Program that promote youth engagement and skills transfer.
Community participants from both Makeni and Port Loko also raised broader concerns, including youth unemployment, the growing menace of the kush drug trade, and the need for stronger collaboration between ECOWAS and local authorities.
The sensitization sessions concluded with a joint declaration of commitment by local authorities, traditional leaders, and community representatives, pledging to support ECOWAS and the Government of Sierra Leone in promoting inclusive regional development that leaves no one behind.