By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, September 9, 2026 – The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) has officially kicked off the development of regulations to operationalise the National Development-Induced Resettlement Act, 2023. The launch, held at the Ministry’s Conference Hall, marks a major step in strengthening Sierra Leone’s framework for managing displacement linked to development projects and safeguarding affected communities.
Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Kenyeh Barlay, described the process as a “historic milestone,” noting that while the Act provides the legal foundation, the regulations will establish clear procedures to ensure affected persons are identified, consulted, fairly compensated, and supported to restore their livelihoods.
She highlighted lessons from field engagements with projects such as FG Gold’s Baomahun Gold Project, Sierra Rutile’s Sembehun Project, Marampa Mines, and energy infrastructure initiatives. Recurring concerns around land valuation, compensation, resettlement, livelihood restoration, community participation, and grievance management, she stressed, must be integrated early into project planning and assessments.
Chairing the session, Development Secretary Ambrose James reaffirmed MoPED’s commitment to completing the process within agreed timelines. He noted that institutional capacity has been strengthened since the Act’s enactment, with support from the Millennium Challenge Account–Sierra Leone (MCA-SL) enabling the engagement of consultants to draft the regulations.
Senior Consultant Oliver Barker-Vormawor underscored the need for stronger inter-agency coordination, pointing to overlaps and gaps between the Resettlement Act and other laws on land acquisition and resettlement. He called for collaboration among institutions including the Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of Lands, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Finance, and Sierra Leone Roads Authority.
MCA-SL Chief Executive Officer Ndeye Fatu Sesay reaffirmed the agency’s support, stressing that the framework will be vital for current and future investments across mining, agriculture, and energy infrastructure.
The meeting brought together representatives from MoPED, MCA-SL, EPA, Ministry of Lands, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Finance, SLRA, and other MDAs, alongside consultants and stakeholders.
Closing the session, Senior Planning Officer Adama delivered the vote of thanks, while Minister Barlay formally declared the process underway. She urged sustained collaboration to ensure the regulations are practical, participatory, and responsive to community needs, while providing predictability for investors.