By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development has announced a significant change in its approach to approving projects submitted by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
Effective immediately, the Ministry will implement a streamlined process for evaluating project proposals, aimed at bolstering transparency and efficiency in the approval of non-funded projects.
This decision comes as part of a broader effort to refine the evaluation process for projects that align with the country’s Medium Term National Development Plan.
The Ministry highlighted that all NGO proposals will now be processed through a dedicated Line Ministries and integrated into a comprehensive NGO Partnership Mapping Tool.
This initiative seeks to enhance collaboration among stakeholders and ensure that development efforts are well-coordinated and impactful.
The Ministry of Planning emphasized the importance of NGOs in various sectors of society, noting that their contributions are vital for national development.
By refining the approval process, the Ministry aims to empower these organizations while safeguarding the integrity of the NGO sector.
Officials from the Ministry stated, “It is paramount to emphasize that this change is not intended to impede the invaluable contributions made by NGOs, but rather to create a more structured framework that promotes accountability and efficiency.” This move is expected to facilitate a smoother path for NGOs seeking to implement projects that align with national development goals.
As the new process is rolled out, the Ministry encourages NGOs to engage actively with Line Ministries to ensure their proposals meet the necessary criteria for evaluation.
This initiative marks a proactive step toward enhancing the effectiveness of NGO operations in Sierra Leone.
The Ministry’s commitment to improving the project approval process reflects a broader dedication to fostering an environment conducive to sustainable development and collaboration between the government and civil society.
The changes are expected to strengthen the overall impact of NGO initiatives across the country.
