By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Isata Mahoi, has called for urgent and coordinated action by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to strengthen child protection across West Africa.
Speaking at the opening session of the 6th Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament, Dr. Mahoi emphasized that protecting children is a moral obligation and a critical foundation for sustainable development.
She highlighted Sierra Leone’s progress in strengthening child protection systems, citing the revised Child Rights Act (2025), which aligns national legislation with international and African child protection standards. She also pointed to the country’s preventive strategies and innovative approaches aimed at addressing child exploitation and abuse.
Dr. Mahoi’s call comes as the ECOWAS Parliament convenes in Freetown to deliberate on pressing challenges affecting children across the region. The session seeks to enhance legislative oversight and encourage member states to fulfill their commitments to regional child protection frameworks.
Her statement underscores Sierra Leone’s ongoing commitment to advancing child rights and empowerment. In recent years, the country has made notable progress, including the enactment of the Child Rights Act (2025) and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2024).
The ECOWAS Parliament meeting in Freetown is expected to conclude with recommendations focused on strengthening legal frameworks, addressing gaps in shelter and rehabilitation services, enhancing parliamentary oversight, and promoting legislative harmonization among member states.