As part of its transition process, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), led by Immediate Past President Ahmed SahidNasralla (aka De Monk), has continued its traditional courtesy visits to key stakeholders and partners.
On this occasion, the SLAJ delegation visited the Minister of Information and Civic Education (MoICE), Chernor Bah, at his Youyi Building office in Freetown to formally introduce the newly elected President, AlhajiManika Kamara, and members of the new National Executive.
In his remarks, Mr. Nasralla thanked Minister Bah for his unwavering support to SLAJ during his tenure and appealed for continued collaboration with the new leadership.
“SLAJ has enjoyed a cordial and professional working relationship with the two ministers who have served this ministry over the past seven years,” Nasralla noted.
“From the historic repeal of the Criminal Libel Law to the Media Investment Conference and the establishment of the National Fund for Public Interest Media (NaFPIM), these are milestones we achieved together with the Ministry,” he said.
He also officially informed the minister of SLAJ’s position paper advocating for the inclusion of a standalone Chapter 12 (which the new president would later formally present to the minister) in the ongoing constitutional review process to guarantee press freedom and freedom of expression. He called on Minister Bah to throw his weight behind this proposal, which has already been submitted to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
New SLAJ President, AlhajiManika Kamara, also expressed gratitude to the Minister for the audience and his longstanding support to the media.
“This government has done a lot for the media in Sierra Leone,” Kamara said. “With you as Minister, we hope to continue building a level playing field for press freedom and media development.”
He echoed the call for support for Chapter 12, describing it as a progressive step to enshrine constitutional protections for journalists and media institutions.
In his response, Minister Chernoh Bah commended Nasralla for his “measured and balanced leadership” over a challenging tenure.
“It’s a remarkable achievement to lead with dignity in such a politically polarised climate. We hold you in high esteem,” he said.
He congratulated President Kamara and pledged continued cooperation with SLAJ, personally and institutionally. He advised that while pushing for Chapter 12, SLAJ should continue to engage stakeholders through dialogue and diplomacy.
“The objective is the outcome. Press freedom benefits all of us; government gets credit when Sierra Leone rises in the global press freedom index,” Minister Bah said.
He also informed the delegation that President Julius Maada Bio has signed the appointment letters for the newly nominated commissioners of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), a process facilitated by SLAJ.
Meetings with IMC and NaTCA
The courtesy visits continued to the offices of the Independent Media Commission (IMC) and the National Telecommunications Authority (NaTCA), where the SLAJ Executive was also formally introduced.
At the IMC, Chairman Joseph EgbendaKapuwa Esq. congratulated the new President and Executive and encouraged them to uphold unity and integrity.
“It takes divine wisdom to lead an institution like SLAJ. I pray for unity and vision among the new leadership,” he said.
He added that the IMC remains committed to working with SLAJ in promoting responsible journalism and guiding the media sector toward self-regulation.
At NaTCA, Director General Amara Brewah welcomed the delegation and pledged continued partnership with SLAJ, congratulating the Executive on its new mandate.
Concerns Raised over Truth Media and G8 Media
During the visits, SLAJ President AlhajiManika Kamara raised concern over the recent license suspension of Truth Media and the pending status of G8 Media, cautioning that such actions, if not swiftly and fairly addressed, could undermine the significant gains made in press freedom.
“These developments risk reversing progress made in creating a freer media environment. We urge an amicable and speedy resolution,” he appealed.
In response, both Minister Bah and DG Brewah explained that the issue with Truth Media concerns license fees and renewal, while G8 Media is currently on a waiting list for spectrum allocation. They assured SLAJ that engagements are ongoing and the matters are close to resolution.
Solidarity Visit and Presentation of Awards
Following the meetings, the SLAJ delegation paid a solidarity visit to Truth Media, engaging co-owner AmaduLamrana Bah on the assurances received from government stakeholders. Bah expressed frustration, stating he felt being treated unfairly, but affirmed his willingness to cooperate toward resolving the matter.
The visits concluded with the presentation of appreciation awards to Minister Chernoh Bah, for his service as a member of the SLAJ Gender Advisory Panel; the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, for its support in advancing media development; the Independent Media Commission and NaTCA, for their critical partnership and collaboration in supporting the growth and regulation of the media sector.
-SLAJ Secretariat
