By: Aminata Sesay
The Government of Sierra Leone, in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has intensified efforts to bring regional integration closer to local communities. This initiative saw Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Ms. Kenyeh Barlay, lead a high-level Stakeholders’ Sensitisation Campaign in Magburuka, Tonkolili District.
The engagement, held at the Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology (EBKUST), brought together the ECOWAS Resident Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Mr. John Azumah, officials from key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), traditional leaders, civil society actors, students, and community representatives.
Speaking during the session, Minister Barlay emphasized that ECOWAS interventions must be understood and experienced at the community level, noting that regional integration is not merely a diplomatic concept but a practical tool to improve livelihoods, enhance security, and expand economic opportunities for ordinary citizens.
The sensitization forms part of a week-long nationwide outreach covering Kambia, Koinadugu, Tonkolili, and Kono districts. The campaign aims to increase public awareness of ECOWAS’ mandate and its ongoing programs in areas such as peace and security, regional trade facilitation, youth empowerment, infrastructure development, and good governance.
In his remarks, Ambassador John Azumah reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to working closely with national and local institutions to ensure that regional policies translate into tangible benefits for communities across Sierra Leone. He highlighted the importance of inclusive dialogue in fostering local ownership of ECOWAS initiatives.
The Magburuka engagement reflects ECOWAS’ broader strategy of decentralizing its outreach to ensure that citizens outside the capital are informed, engaged, and positioned to benefit from regional cooperation and shared development across West Africa.