By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has on Friday January 10, 2025 expressed deep concern regarding the recent decision by the Speaker of the Parliament of Sierra Leone, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, to bar journalist, Melvin Tejan Mansaray, from accessing the Parliament’s precincts. The suspension, reportedly resulting from allegations of “malicious criticism” of Parliamentary decisions, has sparked serious questions about press freedom and accountability in the nation’s democracy.
In a Press Release issued and signed by Alhaji Manika Kamara, SLAJ’s National Secretary General, the Association stressed that such actions undermine the constitutional right to freedom of expression and press freedom. While SLAJ acknowledges the Speaker’s concerns about journalistic standards, it strongly believes that excluding a journalist from covering parliamentary activities sets a dangerous precedent, which may diminish public trust in the institution’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
SLAJ has called on Parliament to reconsider its decision and to refer the matter to both the Association and the Independent Media Commission (IMC) for further review. SLAJ maintains that it is the professional body responsible for addressing concerns related to the conduct of journalists, while the IMC is tasked with regulating media practices.
The Association has also pledged to engage with the Parliamentary leadership to clarify the circumstances surrounding the suspension. In addition, SLAJ has announced the launch of an internal investigation into the allegations against Melvin Tejan Mansaray to ensure fairness and transparency.
SLAJ urges journalists to uphold the highest standards of ethical journalism while reminding public institutions of their duty to protect the rights of journalists to report freely and without fear of retaliation. The Association remains committed to defending press freedom and promoting responsible journalism throughout Sierra Leone.
The Parliamentary Press Gallery – Sierra Leone (PPG-SL), led by Ag. Secretary General Alieu Amara Suwu and Ag. President Moses Lukulay, in a separate press release, also weighed in on the issue. The PPG-SL expressed its concern over the suspension of Melvin Tejan Mansaray, an Executive Member of the Gallery, from covering parliamentary proceedings.
The decision was announced by the Speaker during a parliamentary session on Friday, January 10, 2025, following allegations of unprofessional reporting by Melvin Tejan Mansaray.
While the PPG-SL condemned unprofessional journalism, it expressed apprehension about the suspension and requested Parliament to reconsider its decision. The Gallery reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining professional journalistic standards in all parliamentary reporting and assured the public, Parliament and its members that the matter would be thoroughly investigated.
The PPG-SL has also called on SLAJ to intervene swiftly in this matter. As a key body in promoting transparency and accountability, the Gallery stressed the importance of accurate and balanced reporting and emphasized the need for a constructive and collaborative relationship between the Press and Parliament. The Press Gallery urged all parties involved to resolve the issue amicably for the greater good of Sierra Leone’s democracy.
