The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (SLANGO), held a press briefing to inform the media about the activities of NGOs operating in the country. The event served as a platform for dialogue, awareness, and collaboration between the government, NGOs, and the media.
In her opening remarks, Minister of Planning and Economic Development Madam Kenyeh Barlay emphasized that the first-ever NGO Week in Sierra Leone presents a unique opportunity for cooperation, reflection, and public engagement. She highlighted the role of NGOs in supporting government initiatives and acknowledged the contribution of over 600 registered organisations toward national development.
Minister Barlay appreciated NGO management, staff, and donor partners for their commitment. She assured continued government collaboration with all registered NGOs whose activities align with national priorities. She further commended the contributions of NGOs in healthcare, education, youth and women's empowerment, climate resilience, environmental protection, advocacy for human rights, and sectoral interventions.
Minister Barlay reiterated the shared responsibility of NGOs in building a resilient Sierra Leone by calling for strengthened coordination and engagement. She concluded her address by officially launching the NGO Gazette 2024-2025, which provides an updated register of NGOs legally operating in the country.
After reading the press release, MoPED Development Secretary Peter Sam Kapra assured registered NGOs listed in the Gazette of full government support, enabling them to function effectively within Sierra Leone's legal framework.
The Director of NGOs at MoPED, Eric Massally, lauded NGOs for their efforts and emphasised that NGO Week is about acknowledging challenges and celebrating achievements. He detailed MoPED’s ongoing digitalisation of NGO registration processes and service agreement documentation, allowing organisations to access online operational policies and registration information. Massally also outlined the structural coordination of NGOs, involving MoPED, SLANGO, National and International NGOs, and District Development Coordinating Committees (DDCCs), which promote inclusive operations.
Madam Sugandh Juneja, an International NGO representative and Director of Helen Keller International Sierra Leone, reaffirmed the alignment of NGO activities with Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP) and the Big Five Game Changers. She emphasised the need for collective action in advancing policies on climate resilience and environmental management and commended MoPED’s proactive facilitation.
Ibrahim B. Kamara, Chairman of National NGOs and Executive Director of Direct Response, highlighted extensive community development programs, including access to clean water, poverty reduction, education, child protection, environmental sustainability, and women’s empowerment. He emphasised NGOs' commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in community projects.
During the interactive session, media representatives raised concerns regarding transparency, accountability, ethical standards, funding, community involvement, and the sustainability of NGO projects. In response, key representatives assured the press of continuous improvements and progress in addressing these challenges. Director Massally concluded the session by pledging increased media engagement in NGO activities to enhance public awareness and accountability.
John Farfira Kamara
Email: johnfarfirakamara@gmail.comPhone:
+23379185532
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