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Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), officially launched the 2026 ECOWAS Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) Programme on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Freetown.
The launch was held alongside a High-Level Policy Dialogue on Clean Cooking, Gender Equality, and Child Protection, aimed at promoting safer household energy solutions across the region.
During the event, Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, was formally appointed Regional Clean Cooking Champion for West Africa, a role expected to support advocacy efforts for the transition from traditional cooking fuels to cleaner energy sources.
Addressing participants at the ceremony, President Julius Maada Bio said the First Lady has consistently championed the rights of women and girls.
“First Lady Fatima Bio has always passionately championed efforts to defend the rights of women and girls. The unveiling of the ECOWAS LPG Programme, alongside the First Lady of Kenya, H.E. Rachel Ruto, and former Second Lady of Ghana, Samira Bawumia, marks a meaningful step toward safeguarding our women and children from the dangers of smoke inhalation,” he said.
Speakers at the dialogue highlighted concerns over limited access to clean cooking energy, noting the health risks associated with smoke and toxic fumes, particularly for women and children.
Officials also stated that in Sierra Leone, access to clean cooking remains low, with many households continuing to rely on biomass fuels such as firewood and charcoal.
The First Lady thanked President Bio, ECOWAS officials, development partners, and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative.
“As I accept the role of Regional Clean Cooking Champion for West Africa, I call on all of us to act together and ensure that no woman dies due to lack of access to clean cooking. Let us seize this opportunity to transform how we cook in our homes and kitchens,” she said.
The ECOWAS LPG Programme is expected to promote wider adoption of cleaner cooking solutions across West Africa.
