By Mohamed Sankoh
The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development has issued out a Press Release suspending the operations of Non-Governmental Organisations NGOs found to be non-compliant with the established requirements to operate as an NGO.
The press release further states that, it has come to the Ministry’s attention that certain NGOs are operating without meeting the requisite standards outlined by the NGO policy framework, such as to have an identifiable office in Sierra Leone.
Against this backdrop, it is imperative that NGOs adhere to the prescribed requirements to fulfill their missions effectively, while ensuring that resources are judiciously used.
The following are the list of NGOs to cease operations with immediate effect: Restoration Hope and Development Initiative, Sibra Foundation, Smart Green Solution SL, Allies in Development, Madina Youth Development Association, Our Concern Sierra Leone, New Face Africa, Bintumani D. SL German Sierra Leone, Dr. Sheik Humarr Khan Foundation, Girl Child Network SL, House of Promise Sierra Leone, Faselah Charity, A&H Organisation, Safe Place International, Boys and Girls Club and United Kawaya Development Association.
Speaking to Eric Massaley, Director of Non- Governmental Organisations NGOs Affairs in the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development in an exclusive interview said them at the Ministry has the responsibility to ensure there is sanity in the NGO sector by ensuring that organisations are acceptable and transparent by the use of resources given to them on behalf of the people of Sierra Leone.
He said they had series of steps to take in verifying NGOs that are fit to operate in Sierra Leone, like registering with the Ministry, getting an office space, staff, logo, or asset-label, but without anyone of this process, this organisations are not consider as a legitimate NGO, Director emphasized.
Mr. Massalay further stressed that they cannot find the aforementioned organisations offices and their address.
He also noted that, this organisations were not registered with the Ministry, therefore, they were invited to a meeting to inform them about their defaults, but only few of them attended and were unable to give any better understanding about why they are not register with the Ministry, getting an office space or address, staff, logo and asset-label respectively.
He concluded by saying most times, this NGOs secure funds on behalf of the people of Sierra Leone and misuse it and left the Ministry to chase them, he said.
He said as part of improved initiative to stop illegal NGOs in the country, operations of these organisations are been ceased even before they receive monies from donor partners.
