The Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) has urged Sierra Leone to capitalize on the momentum generated by the successful hosting of the recent ECOWAS Summit by strengthening civic education, deepening regional integration and promoting accountability in governance.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly Press Conference on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, the Executive Director of the Campaign for Good Governance, Marcella Samba Sesay, emphasized that the country’s successful organization of the ECOWAS Summit should mark the beginning of sustained national engagement rather than the end of a single international event.
“Successfully hosting ECOWAS was only the beginning. We now have a post-Summit responsibility,” she stated, urging both Government and citizens to maintain the momentum created by the regional gathering.
Marcella Samba Sesay noted that one of the Summit’s most significant achievements was increasing public awareness of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), particularly among young Sierra Leoneans. She observed that the event had sparked important discussions about regional cooperation and integration that should be sustained long after the Summit.
“For many young people this was the first time they had an opportunity to engage in conversations about ECOWAS. That discussion must continue because regional integration cannot remain an abstract concept,” she said.
She explained that in today’s interconnected world, regional cooperation is vital for addressing shared challenges, including security, trade, economic growth and sustainable development. According to her, stronger public understanding of ECOWAS will help citizens appreciate the benefits of regional integration and actively contribute to its objectives.
The CGG Executive Director further highlighted the significance of the ECOWAS Compact for the Future and the implementation of Vision 2050, describing them as major steps toward creating an “ECOWAS of the People,” where citizens become central to shaping the region’s future alongside governments.
Marcella Samba Sesay also referenced President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s message during the Summit that nations achieve greater progress by pursuing clear priorities with responsibility, describing the statement as one of the event’s most important governance lessons. She said the principle should guide Sierra Leone’s approach to national development beyond the ECOWAS Summit.
Speaking from the perspective of civil society, she stressed that organizations such as the Campaign for Good Governance have a critical responsibility to sustain public dialogue on governance and ensure that commitments made by Government are translated into tangible actions.
“Our role is to ensure that these conversations continue. We keep important national issues on the public agenda and remind Government of the commitments it has made,” she stated.
She further called on the Government of Sierra Leone to replicate the same level of coordination, leadership and commitment demonstrated during the successful hosting of the ECOWAS Summit in addressing key national development priorities, including governance reforms, economic transformation and public service delivery.
Marcella Samba Sesay concluded that if Sierra Leone applies the same determination and collaborative spirit displayed during the Summit to implementing critical reforms, the country would be well positioned to accelerate national development, strengthen democratic governance and improve the lives of its citizens.
Her remarks reinforce the growing consensus among Civil Society Organizations that the successful hosting of the ECOWAS Summit should serve not only as a diplomatic achievement but also as a catalyst for sustained civic engagement, stronger institutions and inclusive national development.
