By Roger A. Agana.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has delivered 500 metric tons of white rice to Sierra Leone as part of emergency food assistance targeting vulnerable populations.

ECOWAS Resident Representative Ambassador John Azumah handed over the donation to Deputy Agriculture Minister Dr. Therisa Tenneh Dick, emphasizing regional solidarity amid worsening food insecurity.

This intervention, drawn from ECOWAS Regional Food Security Reserve stocks, responds to 2024 vulnerability analyses showing 49.4 million West Africans requiring urgent food aid. “This timely support will strengthen our national response,” stated Dr. Dick, acknowledging the donation’s role in bolstering Sierra Leone’s food systems resilience. The grains arrive as President Julius Maada Bio assumes ECOWAS chairmanship.

ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to multi-level food security strategies, combining local, national, and regional reserves. The bloc recognized partners including the EU, World Bank, and USAID for sustaining the reserve system since 2016. Distribution to affected communities will commence immediately.

Published Date: July 17, 2025