By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu, Bo City
As the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) marks its 50th anniversary celebrating five decades since its establishment in 1975 the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), through the ECOWAS National Office, has held a one-day stakeholder sensitization engagement in Bo to enhance public understanding of ECOWAS interventions in Sierra Leone.
The event, held at the Bo District Council Hall in Falaba Section, brought together representatives from local authorities, civil society organizations, the security sector, the business community, and traditional leaders. The forum provided an opportunity for participants to learn about ECOWAS programmes, their impact, and ongoing regional efforts, while also allowing space for concerns, questions, and recommendations.
Speaking on the historical foundation of ECOWAS, the Resident Representative in Sierra Leone, Ambassador John Azumah, reflected on the vision that inspired its creation strengthening cross-border trade and fostering economic cooperation among West African states.
Ambassador Azumah highlighted the significant progress ECOWAS has made over the past five decades, particularly in promoting economic integration through the free movement of citizens, harmonization of trade policies, and initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of people across the sub-region.
He stressed that, with fifteen member states, ECOWAS continues to prioritize security and political stability, especially through trade liberalization schemes and regional peacebuilding initiatives. While acknowledging the challenges surrounding the introduction of a single regional currency, he reassured participants that the ECOWAS single currency is projected for launch in 2027.
Ambassador Azumah also revealed that Sierra Leone has been selected as the ECOWAS depot for arms and ammunition storage, with the facility slated for commissioning in June 2026 an indication of the country’s expanding role in regional security coordination.
On governance, he reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to supporting credible elections in member states. He encouraged governments to uphold democratic principles and strengthen electoral management systems to improve trust and acceptance of election outcomes.
Addressing regional concerns, he disclosed that ECOWAS is actively mediating the Yenga border dispute between Sierra Leone and Guinea, expressing confidence that a peaceful and lasting settlement will be reached by 2026.
In the agriculture sector, the Ambassador confirmed that Bo is being used as a distribution hub for seed rice under ECOWAS agricultural support programmes. A portion of the rice supply, he added, will contribute to the government’s school feeding initiative.
The engagement also featured presentations on ECOWAS interventions in Sierra Leone, followed by expressions of commitment from traditional leaders, security institutions, local councils, civil society groups, and the business community to support ongoing and future ECOWAS-led activities.
The sensitization session concluded with a renewed call for collaboration among all stakeholders to maximize the impact and benefits of ECOWAS interventions for communities across Sierra Leone.