By Aaron Bundu Lahai
On the 14 February 2020 Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, in his official capacity, opened the 43rd meetings of the Convergence Council of Ministers and Governors of Central Banks of the West Africa Monetary Zone (WAMZ) in Freetown.
The Vice President Jalloh in his address called on the Convergence Council to design Corporate Proposals on the way forward to a sustainable and sound monetary union in WAMI. He advised the Ministers to take into consideration recent development in the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West Africa States) monetary cooperation program. He assured the ECOWAS delegates on the commitment of Sierra Leone to the drafting of monetary union in West Africa.
Dr. Juldeh Jalloh informed the delegates about the concerted effort Sierra Leone is making to implement various regional Protocols and Agreements. The Vice President further dilated on the rigorous effort Sierra Leone is making to implement reforms including the diversification of the economy, consolidating public finances, improving governance and accountability, robust fight against corruption and private sector development. He expressed confidence for Sierra Leone to attain the Convergence Secretariat and other benefits in the monetary region, because of the reforms undertaken by the Government of Sierra Leone.
Hon. Vice President Jalloh said that the actions taken are critical to solidifying West Africa economies and expanding the scope of trade. He added that only the strengthening of economic integration, expansion on the scope of trade and the building of solid economies in the economic developed circle of the region that political and economic stability will be maintained. Dr. Jalloh stated that political stability is not only limited to security and good governance, but security in terms of economic prospects.
The meetings, Dr. Juldeh Jalloh explained are testimonies of the commitment of member states to the monetary integration program. He said that the ECOWAS regional integration program and the monetary corporation programs are very important to the Government and people of Sierra Leone. The Vice President therefore expressed delight to host the meetings in Sierra Leone.
