The Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, urged Sierra Leone to build on the recent ECOWAS Summit's success by enhancing civic education, deepening regional integration, and promoting accountability. Speaking at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly Press Conference, CGG Executive Director Marcella Samba Sesay emphasized the need for sustained public discourse. "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," Sesay stated. She added that CGG's 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."
Sustaining Summit's Impact
Marcella Samba Sesay of the Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) noted that a key achievement of the recent ECOWAS Summit was its success in increasing public awareness of the Economic Community of West African States, especially among Sierra Leone's youth. She stated, "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." According to Sesay, the successful hosting of the Summit should act as a catalyst for ongoing civic engagement, the strengthening of institutions, and inclusive national development. Sesay emphasized that regional cooperation remains vital for addressing common challenges such as security, trade, economic growth, and sustainable development. She added, "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."
CGG's Governance Agenda
The Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) urged the Government of Sierra Leone to apply the same level of coordination, leadership, and commitment shown during the successful ECOWAS Summit to national development priorities. These priorities include governance reforms, economic transformation, and improvements in public service delivery. CGG Executive Director Marcella Samba Sesay noted the importance of the ECOWAS Compact for the Future and the implementation of Vision 2050, characterizing them as significant steps towards fostering an “ECOWAS of the People.” Samba Sesay also referred to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s message during the Summit, noting that nations make greater progress by pursuing clear priorities with responsibility.
Civil Society's Role
The recent ECOWAS Summit ignited key discussions regarding regional cooperation and integration, dialogues which the Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) believes must be sustained over time. CGG asserted that these conversations are vital for ensuring that the momentum generated by the Summit translates into lasting benefits for Sierra Leone.
Civil society organizations, including the Campaign for Good Governance, bear a critical responsibility in maintaining public dialogue on governance issues. According to CGG, their role extends to ensuring that commitments made by the Government of Sierra Leone are not merely aspirational but are actively translated into tangible actions and reforms. This sustained engagement is seen as essential for fostering accountability and driving national development initiatives forward.