The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations working on Governance and Accountability in Sierra Leone has, in a press statement, expressed grave concern over the recent public statements and media engagements by the Executive Director of the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA), urging him to desist from such acts and follow due protocol as per the suspension orders. According to the release issued by the CSO, they claimed that while the Executive Director keeps violating the “Suspension Orders,” his deputy is fully complying with it, which suggests there’s an urgent need for government intervention.
For ease of reference, please see the press release verbatim…
CIVIL SOCIETY CALLS FOR COMPLIANCE WITH SUSPENSION BY NPAA LEADERSHIP AND URGENT ACTION TO ADDRESS ESCALATING DEFORESTATION
PRESS RELEASE
The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations working on Governance and Accountability in Sierra Leone expresses grave concern over the recent public statements and media engagements by the Executive Director of the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA), who continues to openly defy his suspension. In contrast, his Deputy has shown respect for due process by complying with the suspension order Upon hearing these developments, the Coalition convened an emergency assessment in the Western Area and conducted a desk review of key issues related to deforestation. Our findings reveal alarming levels of deforestation within protected areas in Freetown, particularly
around critical facilities such as the Guma Dam Catchment, which is under severe threat. Since the appointment of the current NPAA leadership, deforestation has intensified, while robust enforcement of protection measures remains glaringly absent. As such, the Coalition views the suspension of the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director as a necessary administrative intervention to address the deepening leadership vacuum and institutional failings at the NPAA. We therefore urge the Executive Director to respect and comply with suspension, and to use this period of administrative leave as an opportunity for reflection on how to resolve the escalating crisis facing the institution. We commend the Hon. Minister of Environment and Climate Change for the commitment demonstrated so far in safeguarding Sierra Leone’s environmental assets. Civil society remains ready to collaborate with the Ministry and other stakeholders to restore effective
protection of our national protected areas. It must be stressed that suspension is a standard administrative measure and does not amount to termination of service. What is unprecedented and deeply troubling is the Executive Director’s refusal to comply with due process, while attempting to mislead the public. Such actions further undermine institutional credibility at a time when strong leadership is urgently needed to combat deforestation and
environmental degradation. Should this defiance continue, the Coalition will not hesitate to release further evidence of poor leadership, institutional failure, and escalating deforestation under the current NPAA management. For the first time in Sierra Leone’s history, we are witnessing open resistance to administrative decisions by a sitting Executive Director, a precedent that must not be allowed to stand. The Coalition therefore calls on the Executive Director to comply fully with his suspension, as a first step toward restoring public trust and ensuring the protection of Sierra Leone’s natural resources.
Signed:
- Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Working on Governance and Accountability in Sierra Leone
- . Civil Rights Coalition
- . Action for Community Development and Good Governance ACODE-SL
- . Network Platform for Peace and Democracy NEPAD-SL
- . Campaign for Active Peace and Democracy
- . Committee for Rural Empowerment and Resettlement
- . Development Watch SL
- . Initiative for Local Governance
- . Citizen Action for Accountability and progress (CAAP