PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10th December, 2025
NATIONAL CONSORTIUM ON PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY HAILS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL PROTECTED AREA AUTHORITY AMIDST SEVERAL IMPEDIMENTS THUS CALLS FOR ELEVATED GOVERNANCE STATUS
National Consortium on Public Accountability (NCPA) is a Civil Society Organization working with Local and International actors in order to foster issues of respect for constitutional and human rights, increased transparency and accountability, conducting advocacy, citizen’s engagement, policy processes, service delivery, corporate governance and social cohesion.
Every year is climaxed by extreme measures and dedication of Civil Societies analytical ability in identifying MDAs and private institutions that are strategically positioned in providing timely quality service delivery to the nation. It is clear that Socrates philosophy centers on the famous idea that’’ the unexamined life is not worth living’’. We prudently ascribe to it that a life without self-reflection, questioning, introspection lacks true meaning, preventing growth and understanding of virtue are the true definitions of a worthy life.
Couple of months ago, the team conducted a comprehensive desk study of all aspects of best practices of corporate governance specifically on the area of emerging challenges in the environment and climate change patterns. Prior to the assumption of the role of Executive Director at NPAA two years ago, donor partners had withdrawn their support from the institution. This withdrawal of support from the institution weakened the support base leaving the institution unable to perform its statutory function of quality service delivery in biodiversity management and climate change. Under his leadership, Mr. Thomas Fayia Kamara has been able to restore donor confidence notably EU and UNDP for sustainable support in environmental management, biodiversity and climate change mitigation. Our findings revealed that other potential partners may lend their support to the institution giving the outstanding performance and result oriented Executive Director of the National Protected Areas Authority -NPAA Evidently, the gains made under the leadership of Thomas Fayia Kamara is unmatched and nonparallel from our findings. In terms of institutional linkages, Mr Thomas Fayia Kamara has taken NPAA closer to other MDAs for collaborative service delivery to the nation viz-a-viz Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, EPA, NDMA and NWRMA to name but few.
It is crystal obvious that the National Consortium on Public Accountability (NCPA), a coalition of civil society organizations dedicated to promoting transparent, accountability and effective governance, commends the good job of authorities and reprimand those that are lackadaisical in their jobs. Though there are challenges that can be overcome through the president’s intervention in the sector but it is in due consideration that we show commendation to National Protected Areas Authority (NPAA) for its unwavering commitment and notable efforts in safeguarding our nation’s critical ecosystems and biodiversity.
Thus, NPAA has adroitly and consistently demonstrated through its management of protected areas, a level of dedication and that is vital for our national heritage and environmental security. The work underpins sustainable development, climate resilience, and the preservation of natural resources for future generations.
However, the Consortium believes that the current administrative placement of the NPAA within the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, when triangulate logically does not fully reflect the supreme national importance, cross-cutting mandate, and urgent imperatives of its mission.
Based on our findings, the challenges of environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change demand a governance structure that matches the gravity of the task.
One of our findings revealed passionately advocates for a strategic review of the NPAA’s institutional positioning. It is clear that the current Minister of Environment cannot be unconnected to several issues within the context of the environment. We urge the Government to begin navigating pathways that would detach the NPAA from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and place it directly under the Office of the President. Placing NPAA under the direct oversight of the Presidency would:
- Elevate National Priority: Signal the highest level of political will and national commitment to environmental protection as a core pillar of national security and sustainable development.
- Enhance Inter-Ministerial Coordination: Empower the NPAA to be more effectively coordinate with critical sectors such as security, finance, tourism, lands, and infrastructure, which are often essential for the successful management of protected areas.
- Strengthen Autonomy and Resource Mobilization: Provide the agency with greater operational autonomy and potentially improved access to resources, enabling more agile and decisive action.
- Insulate from Bureaucratic Constraints: facilitate faster decision-making processes crucial for responding to emergencies like illegal logging, poaching, and environmental crimes.
In lieu of the most important security measures, we believe that such a move would fortify the NPAA, amplify its effectiveness, and provide the robust institutional framework required to meet the escalating environmental challenges of our time. It is a progressive step towards ensuring that protected areas management receives the singular focus and high-level stewardship it deserves.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- The Minister of Environment and climate change cannot make much inroads since he is unfamiliar with most of the environmental laws.
- We ask that the office of NPAA be under the office of the President
- The Ministry of Environment to stop all implementation of projects that are supposed to be done by the NPAA
Action Point:
- A call on the Antti Corruption Commission to investigate the Minister of Environment and Climate Change for allegedly awarding contracts to family members.
Conclusively, CSOs National Consortium on Public Accountability is poised to state and elaborate on the efficacy of institutions exponential progress for the betterment of the nation.
Ahmed M. Yillah
Executive Secretary (NCPA 078808123)