By: Saidu Jalloh
In honor of World NGO Day, the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), in partnership with the Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (SLANGO), hosted a media engagement event to raise awareness of the significant role NGOs play in national development.
Held at MoPED’s conference hall, the event marked the launch of Sierra Leone’s inaugural NGO Week, as well as the unveiling of the NGO Gazette a platform designed to promote transparency and accountability in the NGO sector.
During her opening remarks, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, emphasised that NGO Week offers a valuable opportunity to spotlight the over 600 registered NGOs contributing to Sierra Leone’s progress. She acknowledged the importance of celebrating their achievements while strengthening collaboration between the government and the media to enhance public understanding of NGO operations. Minister Barlay noted that the NGO Gazette will be a critical tool for monitoring NGO activities, ensuring they align with national priorities, and fostering better coordination among development partners.
She also extended her gratitude to NGO staff, donors, and development partners who consistently work alongside the government to drive advancements in critical sectors. The Minister reaffirmed MoPED’s dedication to collaborating with all NGOs that align with the country’s national goals, highlighting the indispensable roles NGOs play in sectors such as healthcare, education, women and youth empowerment, climate resilience, environmental protection, and human rights advocacy. Furthermore, she called for improved coordination and ongoing engagement to build a more sustainable Sierra Leone.
Eric Massally, Director of NGOs at MoPED, recognised the unwavering dedication of NGOs to community development. He shared details about ongoing efforts to digitalise the NGO registration process and announced plans to digitise service agreement documentation. These innovations, he explained, would improve access to NGO registration information and operational policies. Massally also provided an overview of the governance structure for NGOs in Sierra Leone, which includes MoPED, SLANGO, national and international NGOs, and the District Development Coordinating Committees (DDCCs), to ensure streamlined operations and inclusivity.
Madam Sugandh Juneja, Director of Helen Keller International, an international NGO, reiterated that NGO activities in Sierra Leone are aligned with the country’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) 2024-2030, as well as the government’s Big Five Game Changers. She emphasised the need for collective action to complement government initiatives and advance global development objectives, particularly in climate resilience and environmental management. Juneja also commended MoPED for its leadership in fostering coordination between NGOs and government agencies.
On behalf of national NGOs, Ibrahim B. Kamara, Chairman of the National NGO Executive and Executive Director of Direct Response, underscored the extensive community development programs led by NGOs, including initiatives focused on clean water access, poverty alleviation, education, child protection, environmental sustainability, and women’s empowerment. Kamara assured the media that NGOs are committed to supporting the government’s development agenda and collaborating through the DDCCs to enhance grassroots service delivery. He also emphasized that NGOs operate within Sierra Leone’s legal framework, maintaining strong partnerships with local communities to ensure transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in project implementation.
During the interactive session, journalists raised questions concerning transparency, accountability, professional ethics, funding, community involvement, and the sustainability of NGO projects. NGO representatives reassured the media of their continued efforts to address these issues and highlighted significant progress in governance, financial management, and impact-driven programming.
In closing, Director Eric Massally reaffirmed MoPED’s commitment to ongoing media involvement in NGO activities, ensuring that public engagement and awareness remain central to the sector’s development.