MoPED Suspends Non-Compliant NGOs

By Hassan Osman Kargbo

The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) has announced the suspension of several Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) operating in Sierra Leone after they were found to be in breach of the country’s NGO policy framework.

According to a public notice issued by the ministry, a recent compliance review revealed that some NGOs have been functioning without meeting key operational requirements, including the maintenance of a verifiable office presence in the country, thus representing a clear violation of the regulations governing NGO activities in Sierra Leone.

The ministry highlighted that NGOs are crucial partners in the nation’s development agenda, particularly in complementing government’s efforts in education, health, agriculture, and social protection. However, it stressed that accountability and transparency remain central to ensuring that NGOs fulfill their mandates effectively and responsibly.

“As custodian of public trust and development resources, MoPED insists that all NGOs must adhere to the established standards in order to operate in Sierra Leone,” the notice read. “Failure to do so undermines the principles of accountability and service delivery that NGOs are expected to uphold.”

In light of the findings, the ministry has ordered the listed non-compliant NGOs to immediately cease operations until they can demonstrate full compliance with the stipulated guidelines. The suspended NGOs are: Restoration Hope and Development Initiative, Sibra Foundation, Smart Green Solutions SL, Allies In Development, Madina Youth Development Association, Our Concern SierraLeone, New Face Africa, and Bintumani D SL German Sierra Leone, among many others. MoPED clarified that such is not intended to undermine the work of legitimate NGOs but rather to safeguard the integrity of the development sector.

The national NGO policy framework requires organizations to register with MoPED, maintain physical and verifiable offices, submit regular reports on their activities, and align their programs with the government’s national development priorities.

The measures, officials say, are designed to promote coordination, avoid duplication of efforts, and ensure that donor funds are used effectively for the benefit of Sierra Leoneans.

Development experts note that while NGOs play an important role in reaching communities and delivering services, the absence of proper oversight can create room for misuse of resources and lack of transparency. By enforcing the regulations, MoPED aims to strengthen accountability and build public confidence in the sector.

Civil society actors have welcomed the ministry’s action, arguing that compliance is vital for maintaining credibility. However, some have also urged MoPED to provide support mechanisms that would help smaller NGOs meet the compliance requirements without being forced out of operation.

MoPED has assured the public that its decision is guided by the need to promote effective partnerships between the government, civil society, and development partners. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a transparent and accountable development sector that serves the best interests of the people of Sierra Leone.

The suspension serves as a reminder to all NGOs operating in the country to review their operations, strengthen internal accountability systems, and ensure that they are fully aligned with the national framework.

MoPED concluded by encouraging all organizations to take immediate steps to meet the requirements and continue contributing to Sierra Leone’s development in a sustainable and responsible manner.