INDEPENDENT MEDIA COMMISSION
3rd Floor, Kissy House
54 Siaka Stevens Street
Freetown
E-mail: info@imc.gov.sl 076-724-854 / 076-695-950
www.imc.gov.sl
PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, 4th March 2026: IMC Ratifies Complaints Committee Recommendations on Media Ethics and Professional Conduct.
The Independent Media Commission (IMC), at its meeting held on Wednesday, 25th February 2026, ratified the recommendations of its Complaints Committee in respect of several complaints before the Commission.
These rulings reaffirm the Commission’s statutory mandate to promote professional standards, accuracy, fairness, and accountability in the media sector in line with the IMC Act 2020 and the Print and Electronic Media Regulations 2022.
Complaint by the Public Service Commission Against Focus Independent Newspaper
The Commission considered a complaint lodged by the Public Service Commission against Focus Independent Newspaper concerning an article published on 17th June 2025 alleging corruption, tribalism, nepotism, and secret issuance of letters within the Commission.
Despite being duly served with a subpoena, Focus Independent Newspaper failed to appear at two scheduled hearings. The Complaints Committee further observed that the newspaper is not registered with the IMC.
Ruling: A fine of Le 30,000 has been imposed pursuant to Regulation 13(1)(b) of the IMC Act 2020 for operating without registration.
Complaint by Kobi Walker Against Gleaner Newspaper
Mr. Kobi Walker, Managing Director of Taninhum Resort (SL) Limited, filed a complaint against Gleaner Newspaper regarding a publication alleging that his premises were being used as a cocaine processing facility linked to an international fugitive.
Following a hearing and an external investigation conducted by the IMC, it was established that: the premises are located at Yamkai Big Water and not York Village as alleged; no evidence of drug-related activity was found and the publication lacked substance and was inaccurate.
Ruling: A fine of Le 5,000 for breach of the accuracy principle (Regulation 5(1)(a); and publication of a retraction with equal prominence.
Complaint by Hon. Melrose Karminty Against Daybreak Newspaper
The Melrose Karminty, Minister of Social Welfare, lodged a complaint against Daybreak Newspaper over an article alleging fraudulent employment of a foreign national.
The Committee found the story to be false and misleading. Although a retraction was issued, the Commission notes that it lacked equal prominence.
Ruling: A fine of Le 5,000 for breach of the accuracy principle; a fine of Le 5,000 under Regulation 19(1) and (2); and publication of a retraction with equal prominence within 30 days.
Complaint by Hon. Melrose Karminty Against Salone Compass Newspaper
In a separate complaint against Salone Compass Newspaper, the Managing Editor admitted the inaccuracy of the publication, apologized, and indicated that disciplinary action had been taken internally.
Ruling: A fine of Le 5,000 for breach of the accuracy principle and publication of a retraction with equal prominence.
Complaint by Professor Alyageen A.M. Alghali Against Daybreak Newspaper
Professor Alyageen A.M. Alghali filed a complaint concerning four publications alleging abuse of office and criminality. The Committee found that the newspaper failed to present credible and substantiated evidence and that certain documents tendered lacked authenticity.
Ruling: A fine of Le 5,000 for breach of Regulation 5(1)(a); a fine of Le 5,000 under Regulation 19(1) and (2) and publication of a retraction with equal prominence.
Complaint by Professor A.M. Alghali Against New Age Newspaper
Following hearings involving New Age Newspaper, the Committee determined that the publications were inaccurate and not supported by credible evidence, particularly in light of unsigned petition documents.
Ruling: A fine of Le 5,000 for breach of the accuracy principle and publication of a retraction with equal prominence.
Complaint by Umu Thoronka Against Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC)
The Commission ruled on a complaint by Umu Thoronka concerning alleged unlawful termination by the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation.
The Committee found that, the complainant’s termination was communicated verbally. She was not given the required one week’s notice and SLBC failed to exercise due diligence.
Ruling: SLBC is to compensate the complainant with a negotiable sum, taking into account her period of service.
Complaint by Lopi Travel Agency Against Standard Times Newspaper
A complaint by Ahmad Alpha Bah, CEO of Lopi Travel Agency, was brought against Standard Times Newspaper over publications alleging fraudulent business practices.
The Committee found that the Managing Editor failed to adequately present the complainant’s side and acted beyond the role of a journalist.
Ruling: A fine of Le 5,000 for breach of the accuracy principle and publication of a retraction with equal prominence.
The Independent Media Commission reiterates that while freedom of expression is a fundamental pillar of democracy, it must be exercised responsibly and in adherence to professional standards. Media institutions are reminded of their obligation to ensure accuracy, fairness, and the right of reply in all publications.
The Commission remains committed to fostering a media environment that upholds integrity, accountability, and public trust.
Khalil Kallon
Executive Secretary, IMC
