By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
In a bid to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) towards national development, the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (SLANGO), hosted a press briefing and media engagement on February 26, 2025. The event, which precedes the country’s first-ever NGO Week on February 27, was held under the theme “Empowering Communities for Sustainable Development.”
The program brought together key stakeholders from various media houses, government officials, and NGO representatives to discuss the role of NGOs in fostering national growth. Chaired by Mr. Eric Masallay, Director of NGO Affairs at MoPED Conference Hall, the session highlighted the significant impact NGOs have had across Sierra Leone, particularly in Freetown and other sub-regions.
Delivering the keynote address, the Honorable Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barlay, commended NGOs for their role in promoting environmental sustainability, social welfare, and economic progress. She also addressed concerns regarding the registration and regulation of NGOs operating in the country.
“There are organizations in the country claiming to be registered without the ministry’s knowledge. To address this, we have produced a Gazette that will soon be published. Any NGO not listed in this Gazette is not legally registered with MoPED and, therefore, should not be operating in Sierra Leone,” she stated. She further emphasized the government’s commitment to collaborating with legally registered NGOs in order to build an inclusive and sustainable Sierra Leone.
Adding to the discussions, Deputy Minister of MoPED, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Titus Williams, urged all unregistered NGOs to complete their registration, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and amplifying their contributions. He noted that this year marks a historic moment as Sierra Leone celebrates NGO Week for the first time.
Representing SLANGO, the national coordinator, Madam Alice James, underscored the achievements of NGOs over the years. She emphasized that this week is a celebration of progress rather than challenges.
“SLANGO serves as the umbrella unit for NGOs in Sierra Leone and acts as a liaison between the government and NGOs. This event is about acknowledging the success stories of NGOs in Sierra Leone,” she said.
Furthering the conversation, Madam Grace, Executive Director of the National Non-Governmental Organization (NNGO) and Direct Response, reflected on the impact of NNGO’s initiatives. She highlighted their role in shaping the NGO sector and their ongoing efforts to strengthen media engagement during NGO Week.
Madam Sugandh Juneja, Country Director for International Non-Governmental Organizations (INNGO), expressed her organization’s deep commitment to fostering sustainable development in Sierra Leone. She reaffirmed their dedication to partnering with the government and local organizations to drive meaningful change.
As Sierra Leone prepares to officially mark its first-ever NGO Week on February 27, the discussions from this engagement have set the stage for a more structured and impactful collaboration between the government and NGOs. The recognition of NGO contributions is a testament to their critical role in nation-building, and stakeholders remain hopeful that such engagements will further strengthen the sector for the benefit of all Sierra Leoneans.