MoPED and ECOWAS Conduct Sensitization Meetings in Bonthe Island, Mattru Jong, and Pujehun District

Bonthe Island, Sierra Leone – Tuesday, 19th February 2025 – The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has commenced a series of sensitization meetings in Bonthe Island, Mattru Jong, and Pujehun District. The initiative aims to educate the public on the role of ECOWAS in the region, with a particular focus on its upcoming Silver Jubilee celebrations in May 2025.

Raising Awareness on ECOWAS and Its Mission

At the Bonthe District Council Hall, the District Officer, Mr. Aruna Turay, who chaired the meeting, urged stakeholders to disseminate the knowledge gained to their respective communities. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that every citizen understands the impact of ECOWAS on their lives and regional development.

Speaking at the event, ECOWAS Commissioner in Sierra Leone, Mr. Aruna Musa, reassured attendees that ECOWAS is now a people-centered organization. He noted that many citizens are more familiar with the military wing of the Commission, ECOMOG, rather than the broader mission and initiatives of ECOWAS. Mr. Musa reiterated that the sensitization meetings are designed to bridge this gap and encourage greater public participation in ECOWAS programs.

MoPED Minister Highlights ECOWAS Contributions

Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, stressed the importance of educating the people about ECOWAS’s contributions and upcoming 50th-anniversary celebrations, which will take place on 28th May 2025. She highlighted that ECOWAS is an institution for the people and encouraged citizens to actively engage in its development agenda.

The Minister also shed light on Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP), which prioritizes key sectors such as agriculture, human capital development, infrastructure, youth employment, and public sector transformation. She noted that each district has its own priorities under the MTNDP, tailored to address local needs and challenges.

Madam Barlay further outlined ECOWAS’s various contributions to Sierra Leone, including the deployment of ECOWAS volunteers in health, education, and other sectors. She mentioned that ECOWAS has constructed a Logistics Depot in Lungi, which is set to be inaugurated soon. Additionally, ECOWAS has provided support to the Aberdeen Women’s Centre and Kono University. Plans are also underway to access ECOWAS funds for the expansion of the Bonthe Island market and the development of a cold room to support local trade.

Bonthe Island’s Development Priorities

Highlighting Bonthe Island’s key development priorities under the MTNDP, Madam Barlay identified the need for mechanized farming, a standard referral hospital, a sea ambulance, youth employment schemes, enterprises for young people, technical and vocational institutions, and remote allowances for public workers.

Presentation on ECOWAS’s Role and Achievements

Deputy Development Secretary and Head of the ECOWAS Desk at MoPED, Mr. Komba Momoh, delivered a PowerPoint presentation detailing ECOWAS’s role in West Africa and its interventions in Sierra Leone. He provided a historical background, outlining ECOWAS’s foundation as an economic integration body and explaining its transition into a comprehensive regional entity promoting trade, security, and social development.

Mr. Momoh explained that ECOWAS was originally created to foster economic activities among its member states. The political treaty was signed in 1973, and despite recent withdrawals of three member states, the ECOWAS Commission remains headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria.

He highlighted ECOWAS’s objectives, including harmonizing policies to protect the environment and combat climate change, establishing a common market, adopting common tariffs, promoting the free movement of goods and services, developing a common currency, and fostering good governance and democracy. He also touched on ECOWAS’s role in preventing, managing, and resolving conflicts while ensuring resilience and sustainable development.

Institutions Under ECOWAS

Mr. Momoh outlined several institutions established by ECOWAS, including:

• The Community Court of Justice
• The ECOWAS Bank of Investment and Development
• The West Africa Health Organization
• The Action Group Against Money Laundering and Terrorism in West Africa
• The Office of the Auditor General
• The ECOWAS Parliament

He emphasized that ECOWAS’s long-term vision is full regional integration by 2050, ensuring strong institutions, respect for human rights, and training programs for youth self-reliance.

Bonthe Mayor’s Reflections on the Island’s Legacy

Mayor of Bonthe City Council, Mr. Mohamed Robinson, reflected on the historical significance of Bonthe Island. He recounted a time when the municipality was a hub for tourism and relaxation, well-planned by the colonial administration. He also noted that children born on the island previously enjoyed British citizenship benefits.

Mr. Robinson pointed out that Bonthe District is home to 11 chiefdoms. In the past, all government ministries, departments, and agencies were based on the island, a contrast to the present situation. He called on the government to support the construction of a modern market with a cold storage facility to boost local economic activities.

Despite the island’s challenges, he expressed optimism that with the support of President Julius Maada Bio, Bonthe Island could be revitalized into a thriving economic and tourism hub. He also mentioned that many former residents are now returning to reclaim and renovate their properties.

Engaging the Public

The sensitization meeting concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, where attendees raised concerns and sought clarifications about ECOWAS’s role in their communities. The event also featured a video presentation on ECOWAS’s achievements and vision for the future.

The sensitization meetings will continue in other parts of Sierra Leone as part of ECOWAS’s broader campaign to engage citizens in its development efforts and ensure they are well-informed about the benefits and opportunities available through regional integration.

The collaborative efforts of MoPED and ECOWAS underscore the importance of public awareness in fostering regional cooperation and sustainable development. As ECOWAS marks its 50th anniversary, these engagements serve as a reminder of the progress made and the collective responsibility of citizens to contribute to the vision of a united and prosperous West Africa.