In a major regulatory sweep, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) has officially announced the immediate de-registration and revocation of certificates for 19 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) operating in the country.
According to an official notice released by MoPED, the decision was taken due to non-compliance with the regulatory and operational guidelines governing non-governmental entities in Sierra Leone. The Ministry declared that the cancellation of these registration certificates is to take effect immediately, rendering the affected organizations unauthorized to continue their operations in the country.
The de-registered organizations include several high-profile national and international entities. Among those affected are 523 International Alliance for the Eradication of Malaria, Caravanes Solidaires, Friends International Inc., Institute Mozdahir International, and the International Committee for the Protection of Human Rights and Freedom.
Several groups focusing on children, healthcare, and community empowerment have also had their licenses revoked. These include the Ada Living Hope Orphanage, Anti Bullying Initiative Worldwide, Lungi Women and Children Organisation, Needy Child Sierra Leone, Njawie Bengu Foundation, and the Sierra Leone Chapter of the Global Advocates for Children in Armed Conflicts, Inc.
Other organizations stripped of their operating certificates are the New Life Community Baptist Church, Agency for Integrated Development – Sierra Leone, Club of Health Actors – Sierra Leone, Daughters Vocational Centre, Nana Dee Foundation, Public Service Life Foundation, Zion Ministries, and Partnership Action for Community Empowerment (PACE).
MoPED oversees the formal registration and compliance of all national and international NGOs in Sierra Leone. The Ministry has recently tightened its oversight to ensure that all active groups strictly adhere to local development guidelines, financial transparency, and registration renewal protocols. With this latest enforcement action, the Ministry continues to emphasize that all organizations operating in the country must maintain active compliance to remain in good legal standing.
ABJ/APA