By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Ministry of Finance following a high-level courtesy visit by its newly elected National Executive to the Minister of Finance, Sheku A. Fantamadi Bangura, at his George Street office in Freetown.
The visit, held on Tuesday, 17th March 2026, forms part of SLAJ’s long-standing tradition of formally introducing its new leadership to key Government stakeholders and development partners, while also consolidating institutional relationships that support media development in Sierra Leone.
Leading the delegation was SLAJ President, Alhaji Manika Kamara, accompanied by the outgoing President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, who now serves as an ex-officio member and adviser to the Executive, alongside other members of the Association.
In his introductory remarks, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla expressed appreciation to the Minister for his consistent support to SLAJ during his tenure, noting that such backing significantly contributed to the successes recorded under his leadership. He urged the Minister to extend similar support to the new Executive, emphasizing the importance of sustaining the strong partnership between the Ministry and SLAJ.
Ahmed Sahid Nasralla highlighted the need for continued investment in capacity building for journalists, particularly in specialized areas such as budget analysis and economic reporting. He explained that the plaque presented to the Minister symbolized recognition of the Ministry’s unwavering support to the Association over the years.
Presenting the new leadership, SLAJ President, Alhaji Manika Kamara, commended the Minister for his openness and engagement with the media, describing the Ministry’s support as vital to the effective functioning of SLAJ. He acknowledged the timely disbursement of Government subventions, which he said play a crucial role in supporting the Association’s operations, including its regional structures and affiliate bodies.
Alhaji Manika Kamara provided updates on how previous subventions have been utilized, noting that the funds support administrative activities, regional executives, committees and affiliated organizations such as Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), the Sierra Leone Reporters Union (SLRU) and the Guild of Editors.
He also informed the Minister of the Association’s upcoming Annual General Meeting and National Media Night scheduled for June 2026 in Makeni City. He appealed to the Ministry to support the “Outstanding Reporting on the Economy” category, an initiative aimed at encouraging more journalists to focus on economic and financial reporting.
The SLAJ President further highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance professional standards within the media, including a recently concluded training for 75 female journalists on Public Financial Management and budgeting, supported by the European Union through BBC Media Action.
Responding, Minister Sheku A. Fantamadi Bangura welcomed the SLAJ delegation and commended the Association for its role in promoting responsible journalism. He noted that while Sierra Leone enjoys a relatively stable media landscape, there is still a need for improvement, particularly in the regulation and management of social media.
“The media plays a critical role in governance,” the Minister stated, assuring SLAJ of the Government’s continued commitment to fulfilling its obligations, including the timely disbursement of subventions.
He briefed the delegation on the state of the economy, explaining that global challenges, including conflicts in the Middle East, have had ripple effects on Sierra Leone’s economic performance. Despite those pressures, he assured that Government interventions are helping to maintain stability.
The Minister disclosed that a recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) assessment commended the Government’s performance, while acknowledging the broader global economic constraints. He emphasized the importance of accurate and effective communication of economic realities to the public through the media.
Highlighting ongoing reforms, the Minister said the Government has introduced trade financing and credit facilities to support businesses and stimulate growth. He reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining a professional, non-political approach in managing the country’s finances.
In a significant show of support, the Minister announced that the Ministry of Finance will sponsor the “Best Economic Reporting” category at the upcoming SLAJ Awards and confirmed his intention to personally attend the event.
The visit concluded with the presentation of a plaque of appreciation to the Minister, in recognition of his support to SLAJ and his efforts in stabilizing the economy for sustainable national development.
