By: Aminata Sesay
The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) has deregistered 15 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for failing to regularize their status within the period granted by the Ministry.
The action follows the suspension of 31 NGOs in July 2026 over non-compliance with requirements under the NGO Policy Framework 2023–2028.
In a public notice issued on September 21, 2026, MoPED said the affected organisations were given 30 days to address the issues that led to their suspension and regularize their registration.
However, the Ministry said 15 of the 31 organisations failed to respond within the stipulated period or meet the requirements for reinstatement.
MoPED said the permanent revocation of their Certificates of Registration was carried out in accordance with Section 15 of the NGO Policy Framework 2023–2028, which provides for compliance measures, enforcement and sanctions within the NGO sector.
The deregistered organisations are Paida Foundation; Activate Hope Sierra Leone; Women’s Association National Development; Stitching Wango Sierra Leone; Fama Women’s Programme; Hakeem Hakeema Charity Organization; Advocacy Initiative Development; Community Action Social Action; Center Gender Governance Development; Sudu Salone; Life African Mothers; Muyewoh Development Organization; The Salon Foundation; Global Advocate Children Armed Conflicts, International Sierra Leone Chapter; and Home Food General Services Organization-Sierra Leone.
MoPED has advised the public, development partners and international organisations that the 15 organisations are no longer recognized as registered NGOs in Sierra Leone and should therefore not engage with them in that capacity.
The Ministry said the enforcement action is part of its efforts to strengthen accountability and transparency within the NGO sector and ensure that organisations operating in Sierra Leone comply with established regulatory requirements.
MoPED further clarified that the measures are not intended to restrict civic space, but to promote compliance and effective service delivery by ensuring that NGOs operate within the legal and policy framework governing the sector.
The Ministry has urged all NGOs operating in Sierra Leone to comply with the applicable requirements under the NGO Policy Framework 2023–2028.