Urges Citizens to Showcase the Nation’s Culture, Tourism Potential and Warmth as Sierra Leone Welcomes West African Leaders and Visitors
By Marian Magdalene Bangura
Strategic Communication Unit – Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE)
As Sierra Leone prepares to host the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit, Press Secretary to the President, Yusuf Keketoma Sandi Esq., has called on Sierra Leoneans to embrace the opportunity to promote the country’s tourism potential by extending genuine hospitality to the thousands of delegates and visitors expected from across the West African sub-region.
Speaking at the Special Edition Government Press Conference hosted by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Chernor Bah, on Tuesday, 7th July 2026, at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown, the Press Secretary emphasized that the summit presents far more than a diplomatic engagement. According to him, it is a unique opportunity to shape international perceptions of Sierra Leone and position the country as an attractive destination for tourism, investment and future regional events.
He encouraged citizens not to underestimate the importance of ECOWAS tourism, noting that visitors’ experiences during their stay could influence how they speak about Sierra Leone long after the summit has ended.
“We are not always as hospitable as we should be,” he observed. “When we welcome visitors, whether they are arriving in our country or attending an event, we should receive them with kindness. We should smile, welcome them warmly and allow them to experience our culture because our culture is our way of life.”
Mr. Sandi stressed that every interaction between Sierra Leoneans and visitors sends a powerful message about the country. From airports and hotels to restaurants, offices, markets and public spaces, he said every citizen has a role to play in creating a positive and lasting impression.
He urged service providers, transport operators, business owners, public officials, hospitality workers and the general public to demonstrate courtesy, respect and professionalism throughout the summit period.
“We want our visitors to leave saying, ‘These are wonderful people. They are generous, welcoming and have a beautiful culture.’ That is the image we should project to the rest of West Africa and the world,” he said.
The Press Secretary emphasized that promoting Sierra Leone’s culture extends beyond traditional ceremonies and performances. It also includes everyday attitudes, behaviour and the manner in which citizens receive and interact with guests.
He noted that simple gestures – such as greeting visitors warmly, offering assistance and displaying genuine friendliness, often leave stronger and more lasting impressions than grand ceremonies.
“Hospitality is about the little things. When someone enters an office or a place of service, do we smile? Do we welcome them? Those are the experiences people remember when they return home,” he remarked.
Mr. Sandi further encouraged Sierra Leoneans to use the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit as a platform to showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, arts and crafts, cuisine, music, traditions and unique way of life, saying these are valuable assets that can stimulate tourism and strengthen regional ties.
He expressed optimism that a memorable visitor experience would encourage delegates and tourists to return with their families, recommend Sierra Leone to others and contribute to the growth of the country’s tourism sector.
Turning to media participation in the summit, the Press Secretary appealed to journalists and media practitioners to complete the official online accreditation process.
He explained that all applications would be assessed according to established criteria and operational requirements, assuring applicants that the process would be transparent and managed through the designated registration platform.
“We encourage everyone to register through the online system. Applications will be reviewed, and those who meet the requirements will be accredited. We will ensure that the process remains open, transparent and well communicated,” he said.
The ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit is expected to bring Heads of State and Government, ministers, diplomats, development partners, business leaders, media practitioners and delegates from across the West African region to Sierra Leone.
Government officials have described the summit as a historic opportunity to strengthen regional integration while showcasing Sierra Leone’s hospitality, culture, tourism potential and readiness to host major international events.
Mr. Sandi concluded by urging every Sierra Leonean to become an ambassador for the country, noting that the success of the summit will not only be measured by diplomatic outcomes but also by the lasting impressions created through the warmth, courtesy and hospitality extended to every visitor
