By: Aminata Sesay
The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) has commenced the development of regulations to guide the implementation of Sierra Leone’s National Development-Induced Resettlement Act, 2023.
The initiative, which officially commenced on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at MoPED’s Conference Hall in Freetown, seeks to translate the provisions of the Act, enacted as Act No. 20 of 2023, into clear and practical procedures for managing displacement caused by development projects.
Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Kenyeh Barlay, described the development of the regulations as an important step towards addressing longstanding challenges surrounding land acquisition, compensation and resettlement.
Minister Barlay said the regulations would provide practical guidance to ensure that people affected by development projects are properly identified, consulted and fairly compensated. She added that affected communities should also receive adequate support to restore their livelihoods and living conditions.
According to the Minister, engagements with communities affected by major projects, including FG Gold’s Baomahun Gold Project, Sierra Rutile’s Sembehun Project, Marampa Mines and energy infrastructure developments, have highlighted recurring concerns that require clearer procedures.
These concerns include land valuation, compensation, physical relocation, livelihood restoration, community participation and grievance management.
Barlay stressed that resettlement issues must be considered from the early stages of project planning and properly incorporated into environmental and social assessments.
The regulatory process is also expected to address gaps and potential conflicts between the Resettlement Act and other existing laws governing land acquisition and resettlement.
Senior Consultant and Team Leader, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, said a review of the existing legal framework had identified overlaps and gaps between the Act and other relevant legislation.
He called for stronger inter-agency collaboration to ensure that the regulations establish a coherent and effective national framework.
Barker-Vormawor identified the Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of Lands, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Finance and the Sierra Leone Roads Authority as key institutions whose responsibilities need to be properly aligned.
Chairing the meeting, Development Secretary Ambrose James said MoPED had been working to strengthen the institutional capacity of the National Development-Induced Resettlement Directorate since the enactment of the legislation.
He disclosed that support from the Millennium Challenge Account-Sierra Leone (MCA-SL) had enabled the Ministry to engage consultants to assist in developing the regulations.
James reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to completing the process within the agreed timelines.
The Chief Executive Officer of MCA-SL, Ndeye Fatu Sesay, also reaffirmed the organization’s support for the initiative, noting that the regulations would be important for both ongoing and future development investments.
She said the framework would become increasingly relevant as Sierra Leone continues to attract investments in key sectors, including energy, mining and agriculture.
The development of the regulations comes as Sierra Leone undertakes major infrastructure and investment projects, making effective management of land acquisition, displacement and resettlement increasingly important.
The regulations are expected to clarify the responsibilities of government institutions, project developers and other stakeholders while establishing clearer mechanisms for community consultation, compensation, livelihood restoration and grievance resolution.
The kickoff meeting brought together representatives from MoPED, MCA-SL, the Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of Lands, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Finance, Sierra Leone Roads Authority and other relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as members of the consultancy team.
Declaring the process formally underway, Minister Barlay urged stakeholders to ensure that the final regulations are practical, participatory and responsive to the needs of communities affected by development projects.
She also stressed the importance of creating a framework that provides greater predictability for development projects and investors while ensuring adequate protection for affected communities.