By Hassan Osman Kargbo
ActionAid Sierra Leone (AASL) held its 2025 Open Information Presentation (OIP) at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development Conference Hall at Tower Hill, gathering key stakeholders, including government officials, donors, and development partners. The event focused on the organization’s achievements in 2024, its plans for 2025, and the importance of transparency, accountability, and community empowerment in driving sustainable development.
The OIP provided an open platform for AASL to showcase its accomplishments and discuss challenges faced in its mission to address social issues such as child marriage and climate change.
The event also allowed stakeholders to engage in discussions about the organization’s approach to development, ensuring that all parties were well-informed about the programs being implemented across the country.
In his opening remarks, Eric Massallay, Director of NGO Affairs at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), underscored the significance of collaboration between NGOs, government agencies, and donors. “We are happy to join ActionAid in the actualization of their principle, which is the principle of accountability,” Massallay stated, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts in creating positive change.
The Executive Director of AASL, Foday Bassie Swaray, highlighted the organization’s commitment to maintaining an open and accountable relationship with stakeholders. “ActionAid’s concept of accountability is deeply rooted in our theory of change, in our human rights-based approach, and in our global and national policies,” he explained. “Accountability remains an integral part of how change happens.”
He reaffirmed AASL’s dedication to engaging communities, donors, and government bodies in its mission.
A significant portion of the event focused on the achievements of AASL in 2024. The organization highlighted its community engagement efforts, which included programs aimed at reducing child marriage and raising awareness about climate change.
In addition, AASL discussed its partnerships with various agencies, and outlined strategies to implement its programs effectively.
The presentation also focused on the organization’s 2025 plans, which emphasize budget transparency, the use of digital tools to enhance service delivery, and sustainable project implementation.
AASL’s 2024-2028 strategy aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that its work contributes to global progress in critical areas.
The event also featured statements from various stakeholders. Hon. Mohammed Albert Tarawally, Chairperson of AASL’s Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of accountability within NGOs, calling on other organizations to follow ActionAid’s lead. “I believe that ActionAid is progressing, and we are inviting all other NGOs and CSOs in the country to do the same because you cannot ask duty bearers to be accountable when you yourself is not accountable,” Tarawally stated.
Representatives from international donors also praised AASL for its work. Neha Naida from UNICEF described ActionAid as a trusted partner in addressing critical social issues, particularly teenage pregnancy and child marriage. “We are proud to join forces with them to address these issues in Sierra Leone,” she said. A community representative, Mamusu Sesay, expressed gratitude for the impact AASL had on her community, particularly its support for children’s education. “ActionAid provides all the learning materials for sponsored children in my community, which eases the financial burden on us, the parents,” she shared.
Rev. Dr. Jonathan Titus Williams, Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development, delivered the Keynote address, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with NGOs. “NGO accountability has been a prerequisite for development to take place anywhere in the world,” he remarked, commending ActionAid for its consistent openness and transparency.
As the event concluded, copies of ActionAid’s 2025 plans and budget were distributed to stakeholders, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to transparency and its desire to foster collaborative development efforts.
The OIP closed on a high note, with all participants reaffirming their commitment to work together for the development of Sierra Leone.
