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The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED), through its National Development Induced Resettlement Directorate (NDIRD), convened a National Steering Committee meeting to introduce the newly appointed Development Secretary and discuss the proposed baseline survey for resettlement.
The session brought together senior government officials, regulatory agencies, sector representatives, and technical partners to strengthen coordination under the 2022 Development-Induced Resettlement Act.
In his first engagement with the Committee, Mr. Ambrose James, newly appointed Development Secretary and Chairman of the Steering Committee, emphasized the government’s commitment to transparent, fair, and people-centered resettlement processes.
He called for stronger collaboration among ministries, agencies, and partners, noting that the Directorate is still in its formative stages and requires consolidated institutional capacity.
The meeting introduced Mr. Mustapha Kposowa as Director and Mr. Dennis Macfoy as Deputy Director of NDIRD. Both pledged to strengthen systems, build on lessons learned, and deliver results. Assistant Director Issa M’Briwa, described as the technical backbone of the Directorate, highlighted the need for robust structures and clear direction.
A key focus was the draft resettlement baseline survey tool, which will be piloted in four districts—Kono-Koidu Holdings, Moyamba-Rutile, Portloko-Lunsar, and Tonkolili-Bumbuna. The survey will capture quantitative data on housing, water, food security, education, and access to services, while gradually integrating indicators on livelihoods, gender, youth, and financial inclusion.
Stakeholders, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), stressed the importance of considering environmental and cultural factors, ecological viability, and agricultural productivity of resettlement sites. The Committee also emphasized addressing gender and youth dynamics, given the disproportionate impact of resettlement on women, young people, and vulnerable groups.
The meeting clarified institutional roles, distinguishing between development-induced resettlement and disaster-related displacement. Members underscored continued collaboration with the EPA, NDMA, mining companies, and local councils to ensure balanced perspectives in future phases.
The pilot baseline survey is scheduled to begin on 29 September 2025, with findings to be compiled into a synthesis report for the Steering Committee by the end of October.
Concluding the meeting, Mr. James highlighted the importance of teamwork and collective responsibility, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring that all resettlement processes in Sierra Leone protect the rights of affected persons, align with national development priorities, and contribute to building a resilient and equitable nation.
