Lifeline Nehemiah Project Calls for Government Intervention Amid Land Dispute with Social Welfare Ministry

By Saidu Kargbo

Freetown, 27^th March 2026- The Lifeline Nehemiah Project has raised alarm over what it describes as intimidation and interference by security personnel in connection with an ongoing land dispute involving the Ministry of Social Welfare.

Philemon Kamara, Director of Operations at the organization, told journalists that the dispute centers on a parcel of land previously used by the project as a recreational facility. He alleged that the Ministry is now attempting to take over the property, despite the matter being before the courts.

Kamara explained that police officers have continued to encroach on the premises, restricting rehabilitation work at the organization’s office space. “We made it clear that the area under rehabilitation is not part of the disputed land. The matter in court relates to a different piece of land,” he cautioned.

He further recounted that staff and residents of the project, including the Finance Director and youths from the orphanage, have been arrested in connection with the dispute. While some cases were dismissed for lack of evidence, others remain ongoing.

Kamara expressed concern over what he termed “unfair and unequal treatment,” noting that while the organization has halted work on the disputed land, the Ministry continues construction activities.

The Lifeline Nehemiah Project, a registered NGO, has operated in Sierra Leone for 30 years, running schools, a vocational institute, and an orphanage. Kamara stressed that the organization has consistently supported successive governments and complemented President Bio’s Big-Five agenda, particularly in education and support for vulnerable groups. “We don’t see ourselves as adversaries. We want a better way forward and not to be at loggerheads with the very Ministry we have partnered with for years,” he said.

He revealed that several complaints have been lodged with authorities, including the Office of National Security (ONS), and noted that previous interventions by the Ministry of Education had led to the withdrawal of police officers stationed at the school.

“Despite these efforts, we continue to face challenges,” Kamara lamented, calling on government, media, and stakeholders for swift intervention. “We are Sierra Leoneans. What we are doing is not a crime. We want to operate without fear or intimidation and continue serving the people of this country.”