VP Jalloh Underscores Government's Commitment With NGO.

The Hon. Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh at the Government–NGO Dialogue Day held on Thursday, October 9, at the Brook fields Hotel in Freetown undeacored the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening collaboration and accountability with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

Held under the theme “Strengthening Partnership and Creating the Enabling Environment for Non-Governmental Organisations,” the event brought together key development actors to deepen coordination, promote transparency, and enhance mutual accountability between the Government and NGO community.

In his keynote address, Vice President Jalloh commended NGOs for their invaluable contributions to national development, particularly in education, healthcare, agriculture, food security, gender equality, and poverty reduction.

He described NGOs as vital partners in delivering the Government’s “Big Five Game Changer Agenda” and ensuring that no one is left behind, especially the most vulnerable.

Dr. Jalloh highlighted government initiatives aimed at fostering a conducive operational environment for NGOs, including the National NGO Policy 2023, which seeks to provide clarity and consistency in engagements between government and civil society.

He further cited efforts to improve public dialogue through the Nationwide Civic Day Series and the inclusion of partners and the media in the national budget process.

“These reforms are designed to enhance trust, coordination, and transparency in governance and service delivery,” he stated, adding that his office would maintain an open-door policy to encourage continuous engagement with NGOs both locally and internationally.

The Hon Vice President disclosed plans to institutionalize the dialogue as an annual event for reflection, accountability, and strategic planning. “Today’s meeting marks a huge step toward institutionalizing partnership and resource sharing,” he said, expressing optimism that the platform would strengthen cooperation and joint delivery on national priorities.

In his statement, the Development Secretary at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), Ambrose James, called for stronger accountability and coordination within the NGO sector.

He noted that some organizations commence project implementation without completing Service Level Agreements (SLAs), undermining transparency and compliance.

Mr. James stressed the need for timely and accurate data submissions to support monitoring of the Medium-Term National Development Plan.

He also urged NGOs to strengthen engagement at district and national levels, improve communication, and ensure sustainability through community involvement and capacity building.

He emphasized the importance of stakeholder consultation with local councils and chiefdom authorities, and called for innovative funding partnerships beyond traditional donor assistance.

“Innovation and collaboration remain key to advancing Sierra Leone’s development goals,” he concluded.

Speaking on behalf of the NGO community, INGO Forum Steering Committee Co-Chair Davina Jeffery commended MoPED and SLANGO for their continued partnership but raised concerns over funding challenges.

She reported a 20–25% decline in overseas aid to Sub-Saharan Africa, which has forced several NGOs in Sierra Leone to scale down or close operations.

On taxation issues, Ms. Jeffery appealed for the waiver of Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) payments prior to July and proposed that taxes be applied only to basic salaries to simplify compliance. She also called for reconsideration of NASSIT contributions for short-term international staff.

She further recommended streamlining NGO reporting channels, suggesting that MoPED share existing NGO data directly with Parliament to avoid duplication.

“We need a unified approach that ensures fairness, transparency, and sustainability in NGO–government collaboration,” she said.

Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Hon. Mathew Sahr Nyuma, stressed the need for stronger coordination between ministries, Parliament, and NGOs; citing Section 110 of the Constitution, he reminded participants that all NGO engagements must follow due procedure through the appropriate government channels.

He reaffirmed Parliament’s oversight role and urged compliance with established protocols, noting that all partnerships must align with national priorities.

Hon. Nyuma commended the Vice President for promoting Government–NGO dialogue, describing the initiative as a “timely mechanism for transparency, mutual respect, and effective national development.”

By: Aminata Turay

Office of the Vice President

099776914 aminateaturay218@gmail.com