By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Plan International and New York University, organized a two-day regional consultation for the Western Area on July 17th-18th, 2024. Held at the New Brookfields Hotel Conference Hall on Jomo Kenyatta Road in Freetown, the event focused on discussions about the National Civic Education Policy & Strategy, National Media and Information Policy, National Film Policy and National Records and Archives Policy.
In his address, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, called for collaboration among media stakeholders to develop a national media policy that is aimed at addressing media development issues in Sierra Leone. He emphasized the need for sector transformation and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing press freedom and creating a free media space, in alignment with President Bio’s vision and the Ministry’s mandate. “We are committed to advancing press freedom, creating a free media space and transforming the media sector in Sierra Leone in alignment with President Bio’s vision,” he stated.
The Minister pointed out that the policy initiative was crafted by the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), and other media professionals. He assured that the policy would be handed back to these groups after the consultation and urged journalists to ensure the policy’s longevity and hold the Ministry accountable.
Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, President of SLAJ, expressed his satisfaction with the progress in formulating a national policy on information and media. He highlighted that the policy would consolidate media development gains in Sierra Leone and provide a framework for an inclusive and professional media ecosystem. “A national policy on information and media will consolidate the many gains we have made in media development in Sierra Leone. It will provide a framework for an inclusive and professional media ecosystem,” he remarked. He also mentioned the development of a National Coordination Committee for the safety and sustainability of journalists, emphasizing that freedom of expression and press freedom are fundamental rights.
Francis Sowa, Head of the MRCG and a policy consultant to the process, underscored the extensive consultations undertaken nationwide and expressed confidence in presenting a comprehensive policy draft for stakeholder review.
Aminata Wurie, a representative from the UNDP, assured close collaboration between UNDP and MoICE. She expressed excitement about the partnership and anticipated future collaborative programs following the completion of current initiatives. “UNDP is very excited to have a partnership with the Ministry of Information and Civic Education on a number of programs for 2024. When these programs are completed, they will be able to partner on more,” she said.
Edward Kargbo, Country Director of the BBC Media Action Group, described the policy as a blueprint for media development in Sierra Leone. He congratulated the Information Minister and his team on their progress and expressed his organization’s enthusiasm for the ongoing policy work.
The collaborative efforts and extensive consultations highlight a collective dedication to creating policies that will stand the test of time and foster a more inclusive and professional media environment in Sierra Leone.
