By Communications Unit | Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs
Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Hon. Dr. Isata Mahoi, has called on member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to intensify efforts in safeguarding children, describing child protection as both a legal responsibility and a moral obligation critical to regional stability and sustainable development. Speaking at the 6th Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament during a Delocalized Joint Committee Meeting on Social Affairs, Gender and Women Empowerment; Legal Affairs and Human Rights; Trade, Customs and Free Movement; and Political Affairs, Peace, Security and APRM, the Minister delivered a strong appeal for coordinated regional action to protect vulnerable children across West Africa.
Dr. Mahoi noted that with nearly 45 percent of Sierra Leone’s population under the age of 18, child protection remains a central national priority that must be urgently addressed through strengthened legal systems, institutional reforms, and cross-border cooperation. She highlighted Sierra Leone’s ongoing progress in advancing child welfare initiatives, including prevention strategies through awareness creation and behavioural change campaigns, enhanced enforcement of child protection laws, and improved coordination among relevant institutions tasked with safeguarding children.
The Minister further underscored key legislative milestones achieved by the Government of Sierra Leone, including the Employment Act 2023, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024, and the Child Rights Act 2025, noting that these legal instruments significantly reinforce the country’s commitment to protecting children from exploitation, abuse, and neglect. In addition, she revealed that government, in collaboration with UNICEF, is currently developing a National Child Protection Dashboard. The digital platform is expected to improve case tracking, strengthen response mechanisms, and enhance accountability within the child protection system nationwide.
Dr. Mahoi also raised concern over persistent challenges affecting children across the sub-region, including trafficking, forced labour, sexual exploitation, and other forms of abuse. She emphasized that addressing these issues requires a harmonized ECOWAS-wide legal framework, stronger parliamentary oversight, and enhanced collaboration among member states, particularly in tackling cross-border crimes. “Safeguarding children is not an act of charity; it is justice. It is both a moral imperative and a legal obligation,” she stated, urging lawmakers and stakeholders to prioritize child protection in all development agendas.
She further called for increased community engagement and youth inclusion in policy development, stressing that sustainable child welfare systems must be rooted in grassroots participation and collective responsibility. The Minister concluded by reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to working with ECOWAS partners to build a safer, more inclusive region where every child is protected, empowered, and given the opportunity to thrive.
