By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The African Parliamentary Press Network (APPN) has called on the leadership of the Sierra Leone Parliament, led by Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, to urgently resolve the indefinite ban imposed on parliamentary journalist Melvin Tejan Mansaray.
In a Press Release issued on February 10, 2025, the APPN emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to Melvin Tejan Mansaray’s exclusion from covering parliamentary proceedings. The ban, which took effect on January 10, 2025, was declared by Speaker Hon. Solomon Segepoh Thomas, citing allegations of reckless and insulting criticism. The decision has since sparked reactions from various stakeholders, including the Sierra Leone Parliamentary Press Gallery (PPG) and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ).
Despite interventions from the PPG and SLAJ, as well as concerns raised by media watchdogs, there has been no formal complaint lodged by Parliament with the Independent Media Commission (IMC), the appropriate regulatory body for media-related disputes. The APPN has expressed concern that the delay in addressing the matter undermines Press Freedom and sets a dangerous precedent for journalism in Sierra Leone.
The APPN reaffirmed its commitment to ethical and professional journalism while stressing the importance of journalistic freedom as a fundamental pillar of democracy. It warned that silencing journalists through indefinite bans stifles dialogue, weakens accountability and erodes democratic principles.
“Democratic accountability requires that public officials and institutions remain open to scrutiny and criticism. A more balanced approach is needed to protect both institutional integrity and democratic values,” the statement read.
The indefinite suspension of Melvin Tejan Mansaray has raised broader concerns about Press Freedom and transparency in parliamentary reporting. The APPN noted that restricting journalists from performing their duties could deter media practitioners from engaging in critical and investigative reporting, ultimately undermining the public’s right to information.
In line with calls from SLAJ and the PPG, the APPN has urged Parliament to adopt a more constructive approach in handling disputes with journalists. It recommended that grievances related to journalistic misconduct be addressed through independent regulatory bodies such as the IMC and SLAJ, rather than imposing outright bans.
The APPN also proposed engaging all relevant stakeholders in dialogue to find an amicable resolution that upholds both press freedom and institutional integrity. Furthermore, it expressed willingness to collaborate with the leadership of the Sierra Leone Parliament in developing a code of conduct to govern interactions between Parliament and the media. Such a framework, it argued, would provide clear guidelines for handling future disputes in a structured and transparent manner.
The APPN reiterated its dedication to fostering constructive relationships between parliamentary institutions and the media, with the goal of promoting good governance and sustainable development. It pledged to facilitate discussions that would help resolve the current impasse and ensure that similar conflicts are managed more effectively in the future.
Contacts for Further Inquiries:
- Gilbert Borketey Boyefio – Secretary General, APPN | Email: gboyefio@parliamentafrica.com | Tel: +233243915206
- Olu Ibekwe – Chairman, Steering Committee, APPN | Email: oluchukwuibekwe@gmail.com | Tel: +2348034077681
- Clement Akoloh – Head of Communications, APPN | Tel: +233244993616
The APPN’s call for a swift resolution underscores the need for dialogue, transparency and adherence to democratic principles in managing press-related issues within parliamentary settings.
