By Marion Rion Bangura
Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh says Sierra Leone’s hosting of the recent ECOWAS Summit has delivered long-term benefits for the country, including increased regional influence, new investment opportunities and renewed momentum for sustainable national development.
Dr. Sengeh made the statement on Monday during the weekly government press briefing held at the Miatta Conference Centre, where he spoke on the theme: “A Historic ECOWAS Summit: How We Delivered It and What Sierra Leone Stands to Gain.” The briefing was chaired by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah.
The Chief Minister attributed the successful hosting of the summit to the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, saying the event was the result of years of progress in education, governance, infrastructure development and international partnerships.
He cited the Free Quality School Education programme as one of the government’s major achievements, noting that it has expanded access to education for millions of children and helped prepare Sierra Leone’s young people to compete in an increasingly globalised world.
Beyond the Official Communiqué
According to Dr. Sengeh, the benefits of the ECOWAS Summit extend beyond the official communiqué and formal decisions adopted by regional leaders.
He said several important engagements took place on the margins of the summit, including bilateral meetings, informal discussions and strategic conversations involving presidents, ministers, development partners and private sector representatives.
“Beyond the formal agreements, the real value came from one-on-one talks, informal meetings, and strategic discussions between presidents, ministers, development partners, and business leaders,” he said.
Dr. Sengeh explained that these engagements strengthened regional relationships and created potential pathways for new partnerships and investment opportunities that could continue to benefit Sierra Leone long after the summit.
Climate and Development Priorities
He said climate change, food security and sustainable development were also central to discussions during the summit.
According to the Chief Minister, regional leaders recognised the need to move beyond small-scale pilot projects and focus on long-term programmes addressing food security, humanitarian support, water systems, agriculture, energy and climate resilience.
He stressed that environmental protection must remain an essential part of West Africa’s development agenda as countries confront the growing effects of climate change.
Summit Costs and Economic Impact
On concerns surrounding the cost of hosting the summit, Dr. Sengeh assured the public that government spending on essential services, including health and education, would not be compromised by expenditure related to the event.
He said the repayment of costs associated with the summit would be supported by income generated through the management and use of summit-related facilities and services.
Comparing the recent summit with the 1980 OAU Summit hosted in Freetown, Dr. Sengeh said the current approach involved greater private sector participation, thereby reducing pressure on the national budget.
He added that infrastructure developed for previous international events continues to serve the country and expressed confidence that facilities associated with the ECOWAS Summit would similarly provide long-term value to Sierra Leone.
Democracy, Security and Accountability
On regional peace and stability, the Chief Minister said ECOWAS leaders reaffirmed their commitment to democracy, constitutional governance and regional stability.
He also said President Bio called for stronger mechanisms to track the implementation of regional decisions, ensuring that commitments made by Member States are followed up and measured against tangible results.
Dr. Sengeh further cautioned citizens against misinformation and false information circulating online, while confirming that comprehensive security arrangements were put in place throughout the summit to protect delegates and the public.
He commended civil servants, security per
sonnel, technical teams and other stakeholders whose contributions helped make the event a success.
The Chief Minister said national progress required the collective efforts of government institutions, the private sector and citizens.
“We remain committed to inclusive development. Building on the momentum from this historic ECOWAS Summit, we will keep working through partnership, accountability, and service delivery,” he said.
He concluded with a message of determination: “Together, we will deliver.”
