By: Saidu Jalloh

Eric Massallay, Director of NGO Affairs at Ministry of Planning and Economic Development’s (MoPED) presented the Directorate’s 2024 annual progress report, detailing its efforts in coordinating NGO activities across Sierra Leone and highlighting significant achievements on Monday 20th January 2025 at its conference hall.

In his address, Director Massallay expressed gratitude to the Ministry’s leadership, including the Honourable Minister, Deputy Minister, Development Secretary, and staff, for their unwavering support and guidance. He also acknowledged key stakeholders such as line ministries, NGO desk officers, the Directorate of Rural Development within MoPED, the Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (SLANGO), local councils, and consultancy firms (INTEGEMS and Blue Ribbon) for their invaluable contributions to the Directorate’s success.

Massallay emphasised the collaborative efforts of government ministries, development partners, and NGOs in producing the 2024 report. He outlined the strategic plan, which focused on improving NGO coordination, transparency, and accountability. Key achievements included registering NGOs for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, verifying NGO offices for compliance, signing service-level agreements, compiling donor funding data, updating the Partnership Information Mapping System, and publishing a Gazette of registered NGOs.

Other significant accomplishments included regular monitoring of NGO operations, organising sectoral coordination meetings, and strengthening district-level platforms to enhance stakeholder collaboration. Capacity-building programs for desk officers and orientation sessions for senior officials improved operational efficiency, while a mid-term review and award ceremonies recognised high-performing NGOs. The Directorate concluded its efforts with an annual retreat to assess progress.

The Honourable Minister, Kenyeh Barlay, on behalf of the team applauded the Directorate’s dedication and success in aligning NGO activities with national development goals. She encouraged the team to maintain their momentum and deepen collaboration among stakeholders to ensure continued progress.

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