By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Minister of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), Madam Kenyeh Barlay, has commended the vital contributions of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Sierra Leone, while emphasizing the importance of strengthening partnerships for sustainable development.
Madam Barlay made the remarks during the commemoration of the NGO Gazette in Freetown on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, an event organized by the Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (SLANGO), with the participation of other key dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, Madam Barlay praised the theme of the occasion, “Empowering Communities for Sustainable Development,” noting that it aligns perfectly with the work of NGOs operating across the country.
She emphasized that the celebration was not only a moment for collaboration but also an opportunity for open dialogue that should reach communities throughout Sierra Leone.
“We need to celebrate and acknowledge the incredible work of over 600 registered NGOs and corporate organizations in this country that are making a real difference,” Madam Barlay stated, highlighting the significant impact these organizations have in various sectors.
The minister went on to express the government’s full commitment to working with NGOs, as their activities support the Medium-Term National Development Plan and the government’s broader agenda for national progress.
She pointed to the contributions of NGOs in health, gender equality, environmental sustainability, human rights, and justice. However, Madam Barlay also called on NGOs to expand their efforts in key areas, including increasing access to quality healthcare, improving access to learning materials and school feeding programs in rural areas, and empowering women and youth through targeted programs.
“We look beyond this week’s celebration and focus on strengthening our partnerships, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized for maximum impact,” she remarked.
The minister urged NGOs to engage more actively with local communities and government institutions to maximize the effectiveness of their work.
Madam Barlay also encouraged all NGOs whose names are not included in the current NGO Gazette list to register on the supplementary gazette. She stressed the importance of minimizing the presence of illegal organizations, urging the public to only engage with NGOs listed in the official gazette. “We want to minimize illegal NGOs, and we encourage the public not to deal with any NGO that is not included in the gazette,” she added.
Alice Denneh James, the National Coordinator of SLANGO, also spoke at the event, highlighting the ongoing efforts of NGOs to maintain strong relationships with the government.
She mentioned that every six months, SLANGO launches a newsletter to guide the work of its members and strengthen their collaboration with the government. “We are proud of the work our members are doing, especially in remote communities,” she said, noting that SLANGO currently has nearly 400 national NGOs and over 100 international NGOs registered.
James also shared that SLANGO has undergone significant changes, with a strategic plan and objectives in place to ensure the effective functioning of the organization and the proper partnering of NGOs with the government and other stakeholders.
The Country Director of Helen Keller International and Co-Chair of the International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGO), Sugandh Juneja, also expressed her gratitude to the government for allowing NGOs to operate in the country.
She stressed that the NGOs are dedicated to supporting government policies and contributing to the country’s “big five” game changers, particularly in the areas of health and maternal care.
Juneja praised the Ministry of Health for its efforts to reduce maternal mortality rates, noting the progress made in improving healthcare outcomes.
The event, held at MoPED in Freetown, underscored the growing importance of NGOs in Sierra Leone’s development process, with government leaders and NGO representatives reinforcing their commitment to collaboration and sustainable growth.
The NGO Gazette, a key tool for ensuring the legitimacy and accountability of NGOs, continues to play a central role in the sector’s growth and transparency.
