By Claudia Redwood-Sawyerr
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education joined stakeholders on 27th February 2026 to commemorate Non-Governmental Organisation Day at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown.
The event brought together several National and International NGOs to celebrate their contribution towards democracy and socio-economic development in Sierra Leone.
Globally observed every 27th February, NGO Day recognises the work of more than 10 million NGOs worldwide. Sierra Leone officially began commemorating the day in 2025, with the 2026 celebration marking an expanded and stronger national observance. With over 600 NGOs operating across the country, these organisations continue to support healthcare, education, infrastructure and broader human capital development, working alongside government to deliver on national priorities and create an inclusive society where all can thrive.
The Chairman of the event, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, said he felt honoured to lead the celebration under the theme “Collaboration, Sustainability and Local Empowerment”. He highlighted NGOs’ historic contributions from civil war relief to post-conflict recovery, disarmament, rebuilding schools and health systems, civic education, democracy strengthening and Ebola response.
“I want to take this opportunity, as we mark this big day, to entreat you all to continue to work closely with us in Government. Let our collaboration be honest. Let our sustainability be real. And let us remember, we must not lose sight of our commitment to strengthening local capacity and investing in local NGOs,” he said.
Delivering a message on behalf of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Madam Kenyeh Barley, conveyed the President’s gratitude to national and international NGOs for their resilience, dedication, and contributions to national development.
In her keynote address, Madam Kenyeh Barley commended the longstanding partnership between Government and 600+ NGOs operating in Sierra Leone. She highlighted NGOs’ role in job creation – employing over 5,000 people – and their work in empowering vulnerable groups, promoting transparency, and advancing sustainable development.
She further underscored their contributions to the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030) and the Government’s “Big Five Game Changers” – food security, human capital development, youth employment, infrastructure, governance reform, climate resilience and emergency response. “The government remains steadfast in its commitment to providing a predictable, transparent and supportive operational environment for NGOs to operate.” On behalf of the Government, and people of Sierra Leone, she expressed appreciation to every NGO Leader, staff member, volunteer and development partner for your continued dedication to the advancement of Sierra Leone.
