Gender Minister Calls for Stronger ECOWAS Action on Child Protection.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Hon. Dr. Isata Mahoi, issued an urgent call for coordinated West African action to protect children. Child protection represents both moral duty and legal obligation, she emphasized.

Speaking before the 6th Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament during a delocalized joint committee session, Dr. Mahoi stressed rising child protection concerns across the region. The gathering united committees on Social Affairs, Gender and Women Empowerment; Legal Affairs and Human Rights; Trade, Customs and Free Movement; plus Political Affairs, Peace, Security and AP of RM.

Nearly 45 percent of Sierra Leone’s population falls under the age of 18, noted the Minister. This demographic reality transforms child welfare from national priority into sustainable development cornerstone. Ongoing government efforts focus on abuse prevention through awareness cachild protectionehavioral change initiatives, and stricter enforcement of children’s laws.

Recent legislative milestones reinforce this legal framework: Employment Act (2023), Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2024), and Child Rights Act (2025). To modernize protection systems, is developingeone’s government, collaborating with development partners, develops a National Child Protection Dashboard. This tool aims to enhance case tracking, improve response mechanisms, and ensure accountability in child welfare matters.

Turning to broader regional challenges, Dr. Mahoi identified child trafficking, forced labor, and abuse as issues demanding harmonized ECOWAS response. Stronger parliamentary oversight, aligned legal statutes, and enhanced cross-border cooperation among member states remain essential.

“Safeguarding children is not charity; it is justice,” she declared. “Both moral imperative and legal obligation.”

The Minister also highlighted community engagement and youth participation as vital for shaping inclusive, responsive policies. She urged regional stakeholders to collectively build safer environments where every child receives protection and empowerment to thrive.

Her remarks arrive as West African leaders increasingly prioritize social protection systems foundations for long-term peace, security, and development.

Correspondent-Kelvin Mark Kargbo

Email:mkelson367@gmail.com

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