By: Problyn J. Alpha
Koidu City, Kono District, The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Sierra Leone, Mr. Frederick Ampiah, has emphasized that development begins with peace. He made this statement during the official commissioning of two newly constructed and one refurbished conference centres for the Local Policing Partnership Boards (LPPBs) in Soa, Kamara, and Tankoro Chiefdoms, respectively.
The facilities were delivered under the UNDP Human Security Programme, co-implemented by the Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD) and SEND Sierra Leone, with funding from the UN Human Security Trust Fund.
Mr. Ampiah expressed his satisfaction with the project’s impact, noting the powerful testimonies from beneficiaries about how the initiative has transformed their lives. He praised the inclusive and participatory nature of the programme, particularly its focus on women’s empowerment, with at least *60% women’s participation* in governance and community security efforts.
“The Human Security Programme has not only brought peace to these chiefdoms but has also empowered marginalized groups—including persons with disabilities—who now live with dignity and purpose. As one participant put it: ‘This programme took us off the streets and turned us into responsible citizens,’” Ampiah said.
He stressed that sustainable development cannot occur without grassroots peace and security and applauded the transition of the Sierra Leone Police Force toward a more community-centered model of policing.
The LPPBs, supported through these new infrastructure investments, have taken active roles in managing local security, including the monitoring of border crossing points and conflict mediation. Ampiah commended their voluntary service and called on them to continue their efforts in maintaining peace and order.
He also highlighted the programme’s support to women-led savings groups, facilitated by SEND Sierra Leone and NMJD, which have improved economic independence and resilience for women across the district.
Speaking at the commissioning, Mr. Saeed A. Bancie, the FAO Resident Representative, described the Human Security Programme as a model of collaborative success. He emphasized the programme’s multifaceted approach to development addressing environmental degradation, youth unemployment, food security, and inclusive governance.
Under the programme: Over 150 households have been organized into six Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs) to boost production and income.
More than nine hectares of previously mined land have been rehabilitated into productive farmland.
Over 100 farmers have been trained in climate-resilient agricultural techniques.
Women have increased their income through beekeeping, agro-business, and improved access to markets via solar-powered cold storage and transport support.
Environmental protection was enhanced by promoting beekeeping as an alternative to deforestation.
Bancie noted that the programme also embedded capacity building in local governance, land management, and equipment maintenance to ensure sustainability
Sallieu Kamara, Director of Communications and Advocacy at NMJD, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to addressing poverty and promoting dignity for all. He praised the chiefs and community members for embracing the programme and noted that the new conference centres would serve as strategic hubs for development planning and local security coordination.
Traditional leaders and police officers from the three chiefdoms including PC Emmanuel T. Foyoh (Soa), Regent Chief Charles Quee (Kamara), and LPPB Chair Aiah Stephen Lebbie (Tankoro) expressed their gratitude to UNDP, FAO, NMJD, and SEND Sierra Leone for their support. They emphasized the role of the centres in consolidating peace and security, which they described as the foundation of development.
The commissioning of these facilities marks a significant milestone in the journey toward community-led peacebuilding and development in Kono District. As stakeholders noted, while the project is concluding, its impact lays the groundwork for long-term transformation and potential replication across Sierra Leone.