The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) in Sierra Leone has joined forces with the Parliamentary Committee on Development to celebrate the 49th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This milestone commemorates the signing of the original multilateral treaty by the then 16 member states in Lagos, Nigeria, followed by a revised treaty in Cotonou, Benin, on July 24, 1993, by the heads of state and government of the current 15 member states.

The anniversary celebration featured a series of events designed to highlight the significant contributions of ECOWAS to Sierra Leone. These events included media engagements, visits to ECOWAS-supported project sites, and the distribution of relief materials to orphanages. Such activities aim to raise public awareness about ECOWAS Day and underscore the regional body's developmental impact on the country.

Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Francis Kaikai, along with Development Secretary Peter N. Sam-Kpakra and the head of the ECOWAS National Office, Komba Momoh, joined Parliamentary Committee members on tours of notable project sites. These included the ECOWAS Logistics Military Depot in Lungi and the Kono University of Science and Technology. The visits culminated in a grand ceremony where university students and school pupils engaged with the officials, gaining insights into ECOWAS interventions in Sierra Leone.

In her address, Minister Kaikai expressed profound gratitude for ECOWAS’s ongoing support, highlighting its role in bolstering democracy, governance, and peace in Sierra Leone. "ECOWAS has been instrumental in supporting democracy and good governance through election monitoring, mediation, diplomatic missions, and peacekeeping efforts," she stated. 

Sierra Leone's membership in ECOWAS has brought substantial benefits, particularly during challenging times. The country received crucial support from the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) during its civil war and has benefited from election observer missions. Current ECOWAS initiatives include the construction of Kono University, provision of scholarships for academically outstanding girls, the imminent establishment of a Joint Border Post at Jendema, and food and nutrition assistance for flood victims. Additionally, the ECOWAS Volunteer Program has been pivotal in delivering essential education and healthcare services to rural communities, while the West African Power Pool Project is expanding energy access. The Logistics Depot in Lungi, soon to be handed over to the ECOWAS Commission, is expected to bolster peace and security efforts across the sub-region.

Development Secretary Sam-Kpakra emphasized the importance of local ownership of development projects and encouraged students to prioritize their education. During the tour, Col. Dr. Bala Mohamed (Rtd), Commandant at the Logistics Depot, thanked President Julius Maada Bio and the people of Sierra Leone for their unwavering commitment to the project.

Komba Momoh, head of the ECOWAS National Office, highlighted the various development interventions undertaken by the ECOWAS Commission in Sierra Leone, showcasing the regional body's continued dedication to the country's progress.

This collaborative celebration not only honors the legacy of ECOWAS but also sets the stage for future development and cooperation, ensuring that Sierra Leone continues to benefit from its regional partnerships.