The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) on Wednesday, 9th September 2026, commenced the development of regulations to operationalise the National Development-Induced Resettlement Act, 2023, at the Ministry’s Conference Hall in Freetown. The process marks a significant step towards strengthening Sierra Leone’s framework for managing development-induced displacement and protecting affected communities.
Speaking at the kickoff, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Kenyeh Barlay, described the process as an important and historic milestone. She noted that the Act, formally enacted as Act 20 of 2023, provides the legal foundation, while the regulations will establish clear and practical procedures to ensure that affected persons are identified, consulted, fairly compensated and supported to restore their livelihoods and living conditions.
The Minister highlighted lessons from the Directorate’s field engagements with projects including FG Gold’s Baomahun Gold Project, Sierra Rutile’s Sembehun Project, Marampa Mines and energy infrastructure projects. She pointed to recurring concerns around land valuation, compensation, physical resettlement, livelihood restoration, community participation and grievance management, stressing the need for resettlement considerations to be integrated early into project planning and environmental and social assessments.
She also expressed appreciation to the Deputy Minister, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Titus-Williams, Development Secretary Ambrose James, the Steering Committee and the entire National Development-Induced Resettlement Directorate for their roles and commitment towards advancing the process.
Chairing the meeting, Development Secretary Ambrose James described the kickoff as a significant milestone in advancing the National Development-Induced Resettlement framework. He noted that MoPED has been strengthening the institutional capacity of the Directorate since the enactment of the legislation, with support from the Millennium Challenge Account–Sierra Leone (MCA-SL) enabling the engagement of consultants to develop the regulations. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to completing the process within the agreed timelines.
Senior Consultant and Team Leader, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, noted that the review had identified overlaps and gaps between the Resettlement Act and other laws containing provisions on land acquisition and resettlement. He proposed stronger inter-agency coordination involving institutions including the Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of Lands, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Finance and Sierra Leone Roads Authority to ensure a coherent framework.
The MCA-SL Chief Executive Officer, Ndeye Fatu Sesay, reaffirmed MCA-SL’s support to the process, noting that the framework will be important not only for current investments, including major energy infrastructure projects, but also for future development across sectors such as mining and agriculture.
Senior Planning Officer, Adama, gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the Ministry, appreciating stakeholders for their participation and contributions towards the development of the regulations.
The meeting brought together representatives from MoPED, MCA-SL, the Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of Lands, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Finance, Sierra Leone Roads Authority and other relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, alongside members of the consultancy team and other stakeholders.
The Minister formally declared the process underway, calling for sustained stakeholder collaboration to ensure that the regulations are practical, participatory and responsive to the needs of affected communities while providing greater predictability for development projects and investors.
For further enquiries, contact The PR Team:
Senior Information Officer: +23278146825
Follow MoPED on Twitter (@moped2025), Facebook, or visit: moped.gov.sl