Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration between Government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) ahead of the country’s second annual NGO Week celebration.
Delivering the keynote address at the official announcement, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Kenyah Barlay, described this year’s celebration as “bigger and better” than the inaugural event. She noted that, unlike last year’s largely Freetown-based activities, the 2026 celebration will extend to provinces, districts, and chiefdoms, reflecting Government’s drive for decentralization and inclusive national engagement.
“This celebration is not confined to the capital,” she said. “We are taking it to the districts and chiefdoms to promote grassroots participation.”
Minister Barlay commended the media for promoting balanced journalism and reiterated that transparency and open communication remain central to her Ministry’s operations. She emphasized that Government’s joint participation in NGO Week highlights a shared responsibility in advancing the country’s development agenda and ensuring effective use of resources to reach underserved communities.
She further stated that NGO interventions are aligned with Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030), particularly in health, education, gender equality, environmental sustainability, human rights, and social justice. The Government, she assured, will continue strengthening the regulatory framework to ensure NGO activities remain aligned with national priorities and deliver sustainable outcomes.
Chairman of the National NGO Steering Committee, Ibrahim Kamara, described NGOs as key drivers of social, economic, and environmental progress, noting that they advocate for vulnerable populations and empower communities nationwide.
The week-long celebration, themed around collaboration, sustainability, and local leadership, will feature health walks, media engagements, panel discussions, parliamentary open-gate sessions, exhibitions, community outreach programmes, and regional celebrations across the country.
Chairman of the International NGOs (INGOs) Forum and Country Director of GOAL Sierra Leone, James Riak, praised the strong partnership between NGOs and the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development. He noted that NGOs continue to support communities during crises, disasters, and recovery while strengthening public systems and reaching hard-to-access areas.
Riak highlighted key areas of collaboration with the health and water sectors, including expanding access to safe water and sanitation, reducing maternal and child mortality, supporting frontline health workers, and strengthening emergency response systems. However, he warned that shrinking global donor funding requires stronger coordination, innovation, and investment in local capacity development.
Board Chairman of SLANGO, Christian Kamara, said NGO Week aims to raise public awareness about the contributions of over 400 national and international NGOs operating across sectors such as education, justice, health, and community development.
The nationwide activities will culminate in a grand national celebration on the 27th, bringing together Government, civil society, and development partners to reinforce coordination, accountability, and community-centered development.
Stakeholders emphasized that expanded outreach, stronger collaboration, and a renewed focus on sustainability will help accelerate inclusive growth and ensure that no community is left behind.
