By Kadijatu Bangura, Daily Scope Reporter
The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development has suspended seven non-governmental organizations with immediate effect for failing to comply with statutory requirements governing NGO operations in Sierra Leone.
The directive, issued on Monday and signed by Acting Development Secretary Usman Q. Qanteh, follows a comprehensive review of the sector. The review found that the affected organizations were operating without meeting basic regulatory standards, including maintaining a physical and identifiable office in the country.
The suspended NGOs are: Paida Foundation, Activate Hope Sierra Leone, Women’s Association for National Development, Stitching Wango Sierra Leone, Fama Women’s Programme, Hakeen and Hakeema Charity Organisation, and Assembly of God Development Agency.
The Ministry said the action was not intended to undermine the contributions of NGOs to national development, but to strengthen accountability and public confidence in the sector.
“As custodians of public trust and resources, NGOs must adhere to prescribed requirements to ensure resources are judiciously used and their mandates are effectively delivered,” the Ministry stated.
It warned that continued operations by any of the listed organizations would constitute a violation of the law.
The Ministry further reaffirmed its commitment to working with compliant NGOs to advance development goals, while maintaining that regulatory standards must be upheld to protect beneficiaries and donors.
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