By Mackie M. Jalloh
The League of Democracy Advocates (LoDA) has strongly criticized the decision by the Speaker of Sierra Leone’s Parliament to ban journalist Melvin Tejan Mansaray from entering the premises of Parliament.
The ban, reportedly imposed after Mansaray’s criticism of parliamentary practices, particularly regarding the removal of the former Auditor General, has sparked widespread concerns about press freedom and democratic principles in the country.
LoDA, in a statement, condemned the unilateral nature of the Speaker’s decision, highlighting its procedural flaws and the troubling precedent it sets for journalists and the media landscape. According to the advocacy group, the action violates the fundamental tenets of press freedom enshrined in Sierra Leone’s constitution, which guarantees the media’s independence and the public’s right to access information.
LoDA argued that the Speaker’s decision undermines the transparency and accountability expected of public institutions such as Parliament. As the highest legislative body in Sierra Leone, Parliament should welcome scrutiny and be accessible to journalists whose role is to report on its activities.
The ban on Mansaray, LoDA noted, sends a chilling message to other journalists, discouraging them from performing their critical role of holding public officials accountable. “This decision is not only an attack on Mansaray but also a threat to the entire journalism community,” LoDA’s statement read. “It undermines the principles of democracy and sets a dangerous precedent for suppressing critical voices.”
The group further emphasized that the ban violates Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution, which outlines the establishment and governance of Parliament and its officials, including the Speaker. It noted that while Parliament operates under Standing Orders that govern its procedures, such rules must remain subordinate to the Constitution.
The statement called for adherence to international best practices, which prioritize transparency, openness, and press freedom as cornerstones of democratic governance. LoDA stressed that public officials, including the Speaker, must operate within the confines of the Constitution to uphold democratic principles.
LoDA has urged the Speaker of Parliament to immediately reconsider the decision and lift the ban on Mansaray.
The organization also called on journalists to maintain ethical reporting standards whilst continuing to fulfil their responsibility of holding public institutions accountable. “We believe this decision is a step backward for democracy,” LoDA stated. “Press freedom is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society, and it must not be compromised under any circumstances.”
The advocacy group reiterated its commitment to monitoring the situation and advocating for the protection of journalists in Sierra Leone. It warned that such actions erode public trust in institutions and undermine the liberal values that the country’s democracy strives to uphold.
The incident has reignited debates about press freedom and the role of the media in Sierra Leone’s democracy. LoDA’s position underscores the broader implications of the Speaker’s decision, which goes beyond Mansaray’s individual case.
By banning a journalist from accessing Parliament, the Speaker has effectively curtailed the public’s right to information, a move that LoDA described as a violation of the principles of accountability and good governance.
The group called on stakeholders, including civil society and international organizations, to stand in solidarity with journalists and to advocate for press freedom in the country.
As Sierra Leone continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, LoDA’s statement serves as a reminder of the critical role that press freedom plays in ensuring transparency, accountability, and public trust.
The group’s call to action is a bold assertion that democracy can only thrive when the rights of journalists are protected and public officials remain open to scrutiny.
The ban on Melvin Tejan Mansaray, LoDA warns, should serve as a wake-up call for Sierra Leone to reaffirm its commitment to press freedom and to protect the independence of its media landscape.
