By Mohamed Sankoh
The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), through its Directorate of NGO Affairs, has warned members of the public, development partners and international organisations against engaging with the World Changing Centre Charity (WCCC), which the Ministry says is not registered or recognised to operate as a non-governmental organisation in Sierra Leone.
The warning follows the Ministry’s decision to halt the organisation’s operations in the country over concerns about its registration and legal status.
In a press release issued through the Directorate of NGO Affairs, the Ministry stated that World Changing Centre Charity is not recognised as a registered NGO in Sierra Leone and therefore does not have the required authorisation to operate or implement development programmes in the country.
The Ministry has consequently urged the public and development partners to exercise caution and verify the registration status of organisations before providing funds, entering into partnerships or supporting development projects.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Director of NGO Affairs at MoPED, Eric Massally, said WCCC was not recognised by the Government of Sierra Leone as an organisation authorised to operate or implement programmes in the country.
Mr. Massally further that the organisation’s owner, Bernice Langley, a Sierra Leonean based in the United Kingdom, had been receiving funds purportedly for the implementation of development projects in Sierra Leone.
He cited the construction of a water well in the Calaba Town community as one of the projects undertaken in the name of the organisation.
According to Mr. Massally, concerns had subsequently been raised over reports that residents were being asked to make payments to access water from the facility.
Mr. Massally specifically advised members of the public, local organisations, international partners and other stakeholders not to conduct business or engage in development programmes with World Changing Centre Charity until its legal and registration status is clarified.
He also encouraged individuals with relevant information to contact the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development or the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Sierra Leone Police.
The Ministry’s warning underscores the importance of due diligence in Sierra Leone’s NGO sector, particularly as development organisations increasingly collaborate with communities, government institutions and international partners to deliver social and economic development projects.
MoPED is responsible for coordinating and overseeing aspects of NGO operations in Sierra Leone, including ensuring that organisations operating in the country comply with applicable registration and regulatory requirements.
The Ministry has therefore called on development partners, donors and members of the public to verify the status of organisations before committing financial resources or entering into agreements for development activities.
