By Davida Spaine Solomon
Freetown, 2nd April 2026- Sierra Leone is moving closer to enforcing long‑awaited plastic waste regulations, as government officials, development partners, and civil society intensify calls for swift action to curb the country’s mounting pollution crisis.
At a high‑level meeting hosted by the Ministry of Finance in Freetown, stakeholders warned that prolonged delays in operationalising the proposed rules could undermine environmental protection and threaten coastal livelihoods. Representatives from the Ministries of Environment and Climate Change, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, and Finance joined private sector actors, civil society groups, and partners, including the World Bank, to press for a clear timeline.
The engagement, part of the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project and the broader Go Circular campaign, spotlighted findings from three World Bank‑supported studies on sand mining, green labelling, and governance at Lumley Beach.
Braima Koroma of the Sierra Leone Urban Research Center cautioned that unchecked sand mining is eroding coastlines and weakening tourism potential. EPA representative Ibrahim Mansaray outlined plans for green labelling standards to promote eco‑friendly business practices and reduce reliance on harmful plastic packaging. Meanwhile, Amera Hallaby presented findings under the PROBLUE programme, highlighting governance gaps at Lumley Beach and urging stronger institutional oversight.
Across all presentations, the message was clear: Sierra Leone must move from dialogue to enforcement. Civil society and industry stakeholders welcomed the research but urged authorities to translate recommendations into practical policies with measurable impact.
Project Coordinator of the Economic Diversification Project stressed that public awareness and behavioural change are critical to reducing plastic pollution. Head of Climate Finance at the Ministry of Finance, Sellu McCarthy, confirmed that a national plastic waste and circular economy policy, developed with World Bank support, is now under legal review at the Law Officers’ Department, with efforts underway to fast‑track parliamentary consideration.
Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Mima Yema Mimi Sobba‑Stephens, reaffirmed government’s commitment to collaboration and enforcement once the regulations are approved.
Launched in February 2024, the Go Circular campaign aims to phase out single‑use plastics and promote sustainable alternatives nationwide. Officials say the initiative will continue with awareness activities designed to build a cleaner, more resilient Sierra Leone.
The meeting concluded with an interactive session, as participants exchanged ideas and outlined practical steps to accelerate reforms and strengthen environmental governance.
