Julius Maada Bio has launched the Economic Community of West African States Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Programme in Sierra Leone, announcing a pilot phase that will provide 10,000 clean cooking gas canisters to households across the country.
The initiative was unveiled at a policy dialogue held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, where regional leaders, government officials, development partners and private sector actors gathered to promote safer and more sustainable cooking solutions in West Africa.
In his address, President Bio said access to clean cooking remains a major public health and development concern, noting that nearly 10,000 Sierra Leoneans died in 2021 due to air pollution linked to firewood and charcoal use.
He stressed that indoor air pollution disproportionately affects women and children, describing the issue as closely tied to poverty and inequality. Bio added that his government has taken steps since 2018 to improve coordination in the sector, including the establishment of a Clean Cooking Delivery Unit.
The president also urged greater private sector investment, saying the clean cooking sector presents strong economic potential. He emphasized that women should play leading roles in the transition, not only as beneficiaries but as entrepreneurs.
“Our women do not lack solutions; they lack champions,” he said.
Fatima Maada Bio highlighted the risks faced by women who cook with traditional fuels, noting that many households, including those under the national school feeding programme, still rely on open-fire methods.
Energy Minister Cyril Arnold Grant said 72 percent of households depend on firewood and 22 percent on charcoal, while only 1.5 percent use clean cooking options. He described the situation as a key driver of poor health outcomes and gender inequality.
Regional participants included Rachel Ruto, who called for stronger continental action to ensure access to clean cooking, and Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, who urged accelerated nationwide adoption.
Representatives from the Clean Cooking Alliance and other partners also backed the initiative, with Samira Bawumia delivering remarks as a global ambassador for clean cooking.
The programme marks a step forward in Sierra Leone’s efforts to expand access to clean energy, improve public health, and reduce environmental impact.
