Sierra Leone’s National Minerals Agency (NMA) is facing scrutiny after the 2023 Auditor General’s report revealed that over $1 million allocated for community development projects remains undistributed.

These funds, earmarked for improving local infrastructure, education, and healthcare, have yet to reach beneficiary communities, stalling critical development initiatives and raising questions about the NMA’s transparency and accountability.

The NMA Board halted disbursement, citing the absence of monitoring reports detailing how previously released funds were utilized. In response, the Director of Finance and Administration has been directed to transfer the funds to the Mining Development Fund promptly.

Communities and civil society organizations are calling for stronger oversight to ensure funds are effectively utilized and contribute to local development as intended.