On September 5, 2023, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, alongside her Deputy, Dr. Jonathan Titus-Williams, joined by the ECOWAS Resident Representative, Ambassador Hourouna Moussa, convened a crucial meeting with ECOWAS focal persons from various Sierra Leonean Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) at the Ministry’s conference hall in Tower Hill, Freetown. The gathering was aimed at assessing the status of ECOWAS-sponsored projects executed by these entities, and to also bolster coordination efforts.
Dr. Titus-Williams, in his opening address as the Chair of the meeting, underscored the paramount importance of this initiative and acknowledged the pivotal role played by ECOWAS in Sierra Leone’s development. He urged the focal points to maximize the opportunities presented and emphasized the need for MDAs to develop projects that can be swiftly implemented when the need arises. He encouraged them to match the efficiency often seen in NGOs.
In response, the representatives from various MDAs expressed their gratitude to the Ministry for fostering a conducive environment for their work. They reiterated their commitment to ensuring seamless project coordination, and eagerly anticipated collaborative efforts with the Ministry, the Resident Representative, and the ECOWAS Commission.
The focal points shared insights into ECOWAS interventions across different sectors, highlighting key milestones and challenges encountered during project implementation.
Ambassador Hourouna Moussa, ECOWAS Resident Representative, expressed his delight at the occasion and commended the Minister and her team for organizing this productive platform. He reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to serving Sierra Leone and emphasized the multitude of opportunities available through the Commission, particularly in areas such as youth empowerment, security, agriculture, gender, and health. Ambassador Moussa thanked the Minister for the opportunity to participate in this engagement.
Minister Barlay offered her congratulations to the focal persons for their dedication to their roles and their willingness to serve in their respective capacities. She provided insights into the President’s vision, which is being translated into the “five big game changers” promised in the 2023 manifesto. She also highlighted the forthcoming launch of the successor MTNDP, scheduled for December 2023, urging MDAs to align their programs with these agenda areas.
Madam Barlay stressed the importance of MDAs proactively developing robust proposals to access available funds through the Commission and maintaining rigorous reporting techniques.
In her closing statement, Minister Barlay reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to providing unwavering support and a coordinated platform to contribute to national development, guided by principles of freedom, responsiveness, transparency, and accountability.
The event also witnessed the formal introduction of the new head of the ECOWAS National office, Mr. Komba Momoh, and the New Desk Officer, Madam Laygbay Lillian Amadu.
The program concluded with the presentation of EVP gear by the ECOWAS Volunteer Program (EVP) country Coordinator, aimed at enhancing the program’s visibility.
By MoPED Communications Team
