By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has successfully concluded its 55th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Makeni City after two days of deliberations that focused on strengthening journalism, promoting media sustainability, and enhancing the role of the press in Sierra Leone’s economic and democratic development.
The event, hosted at the University of Makeni (UNIMAK) Auditorium from June 12 to 13, 2026, brought together journalists, government officials, development partners, civil society representatives, and other stakeholders from across the country under the theme: “Strengthening Sierra Leone’s Economy Through Responsible Journalism.”
The AGM, regarded as the highest decision-making body of the Association, provided an opportunity for members to review the progress of SLAJ, discuss challenges confronting the profession, and develop practical strategies to strengthen the media sector.
At the opening ceremony, SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara reminded delegates that journalism remains one of the strongest pillars of democracy and national development.
He said journalists occupy a unique position in society because their reporting and investigations help citizens understand national issues, hold institutions accountable, and promote transparency and good governance.
According to him, responsible journalism is not merely a professional obligation but a national responsibility that contributes to building public trust and supporting sustainable economic growth.
He called on journalists to remain independent, ethical, and professional while continuing to serve the public interest.
Kamara reaffirmed SLAJ’s commitment to defending freedom of expression, protecting the welfare of journalists, and strengthening professionalism through advocacy and capacity-building programmes.
He highlighted the Association’s continued campaign for stronger constitutional guarantees for media freedom through the inclusion of a standalone Chapter 12 in Sierra Leone’s constitutional review process.
The SLAJ President also addressed public concerns regarding the Government of Sierra Leone’s annual subvention of SLE 2.7 million to the Association.
He clarified that the support does not compromise the independence of SLAJ or prevent the Association from speaking out on issues relating to media freedom, transparency, and accountability.
He explained that the subsidy is a longstanding public allocation to a recognized professional body and emphasized that the Association’s loyalty remains firmly with the principles of truth, professionalism, and the people of Sierra Leone.
The AGM also featured a keynote address by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA Sierra Leone and President of the Sierra Leone Bankers Association, Mohamed Alhajie Samoura.
Samoura told delegates that responsible journalism and economic development are closely linked because trust and credible information are essential ingredients for investment and business growth.
Describing himself as “a son of the media,” he paid tribute to his late father, Mohamed Samoura, one of the pioneer founders of the Sierra Leone News Agency and a former Commissioner of the Independent Media Commission.
He said his background gave him a deep appreciation of journalism and its power to shape society and influence national development.
According to him, the world has entered an era where misinformation and disinformation can negatively affect economies and public confidence, making responsible journalism more important than ever before.
He encouraged journalists to go beyond political reporting and pay greater attention to development issues such as agriculture, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, infrastructure, technology, and economic diversification.
Samoura urged media practitioners to familiarize themselves with Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan and use data-driven reporting to monitor government commitments and national development priorities.
He also called on media institutions to adopt sustainable business models by embracing digital innovation, strategic partnerships, and entrepreneurship to reduce dependence on political patronage and ad hoc sponsorship.
The National Coordinator of the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), Dr. Francis Sowa, also addressed the gathering and described responsible journalism as a vital contributor to economic transformation and democratic governance.
He said business confidence, public trust, and investment decisions are heavily influenced by the quality of information available to citizens and institutions.
Dr. Sowa commended the progress made in Sierra Leone’s media reform agenda, including the repeal of criminal libel laws and efforts to improve access to information.
He stressed that sustainable media institutions are essential for sustainable democracy and economic growth, adding that journalists must continue to provide accurate, balanced, and fact-based reporting.
The Inspector General of Police, Mr. William Fayia Sellu, also delivered a goodwill message and reaffirmed the strong partnership between the Sierra Leone Police and SLAJ.
He praised journalists for their contribution to democratic governance and acknowledged their role in giving a voice to ordinary citizens.
The Police Chief encouraged media practitioners to uphold the principles of fairness, humanity, accuracy, and accountability in their reporting.
He also referenced the Memorandum of Understanding between the Sierra Leone Police and SLAJ and pledged to strengthen collaboration between the two institutions.
As part of that commitment, he invited the SLAJ leadership to engage with police recruits at the Police Training School to promote greater understanding of the role and responsibilities of journalists.
IGP Sellu disclosed that he had served as President of the Press Club during his university days and expressed his personal admiration for the journalism profession.
He assured delegates that the Sierra Leone Police supports investigative journalism while encouraging reporters to seek balanced perspectives on matters relating to law enforcement.
Beyond the formal deliberations, the AGM also provided journalists from across Sierra Leone with an opportunity to strengthen professional relationships and reinforce the spirit of unity within the media fraternity.
The first day of activities ended with a colourful bonfire night that brought together journalists and stakeholders in an atmosphere of friendship, networking, and fellowship.
The event finally climaxed with the SLAJ-Independent Media Commission Media Awards Dinner, where distinguished journalists and media institutions were honoured for excellence, innovation, courage, and professionalism.
At the end of the two-day event, delegates expressed confidence that the resolutions and discussions held in Makeni would contribute significantly to strengthening the media landscape and promoting responsible journalism in Sierra Leone.
Participants agreed that a professional, independent, and sustainable media sector remains essential for promoting accountability, strengthening democratic governance, attracting investment, and supporting the country’s economic transformation.
The successful conclusion of the 55th AGM reinforced SLAJ’s determination to continue defending press freedom, promoting ethical journalism, and ensuring that the media remains a trusted partner in Sierra Leone’s development journey.
