By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Following a well-attended 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), has made a huge difference by endorsing its new constitution which many say it’s a new face for Journalism in Sierra Leone.
This 2024 AGM which started from September 26 to 28, 2024 in Bo, under the theme: “Charting the Way Forward: A New Constitution for an Inclusive and Stronger SLAJ.” Is a great success event that brought together senior Journalists in the media landscape of Sierra Leone to delve into issues within the Journalism in the country.
According to SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, the future of SLAJ must be built on empowering voices from marginalized communities, women and rural journalists. Nasralla informed that the new SLAJ constitution reflects the Association’s commitment towards inclusivity, transparency and diversity.
In his own party, the Independent Media Commission (IMC), Chairman Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa Esq, stated that media owners to ensure that journalists are fairly compensated in line with national wage standards, noting that economic viability is crucial to fostering ethical journalism.
Egbenda Kapuwa expressed the IMC’s unwavering commitment to protecting free speech while ensuring professional standards in the media. He emphasized the need for continuous journalist training, noting a rise in complaints due to lapses in ethical standards. The IMC Chairman further urged adherence to the IMC Act 2020, the Media Regulations 2022 and the SLAJ constitution as vital for maintaining high journalistic standards.
He also questioned whether a new SLAJ constitution could govern effectively when many members already struggle with national regulations. He also defended recent IMC actions, such as suspending or revoking licenses of non-compliant media outlets, as necessary steps for accountability.
Mr. Kapuwa further urged media Proprietors to pay journalists fair wages in line with minimum wage laws and to meet their tax obligations. Adding that fair compensation is critical to promoting ethical journalism. Mr Kapuwa Esq reaffirmed the IMC’s commitment to collaborating with SLAJ to uphold media independence, calling on all members to unite for a stronger, more professional press.
The National Coordinator of the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), Dr. Francis Sowa, praised SLAJ’s role as a founding and supportive member of the MRCG. Dr. Sowa commended SLAJ for its introspective theme this year: “Charting the Way Forward: New Constitution for an Inclusive and Stronger SLAJ,” which he described as unique for its focus on strengthening the Association itself.
Dr. Francis Sowa highlighted the theme’s alignment with Recommendation 2 of the National Action Plan, developed at the conclusion of the National Media Viability and Investment Conference. He emphasized the need for the media to review existing legal and regulatory frameworks and urged SLAJ to re-engineer the media industry to attract private-sector investment and public subsidies. Dr Sowa also called on SLAJ to secure its independence, largely through member fees and to take an active role in self-regulation and upholding professional standards.
Referencing a recent article critical of the media viability conference, Dr. Sowa acknowledged the writer’s frustrations but assured attendees that progress was being made. He announced that with the support of the International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM), a Secretariat and a multi-stakeholder board had been established for the Media Viability Fund, with the framework and Technical Committee in place to process grant applications. He urged the Government to fulfil its commitment to the fund, stressing the importance of continued efforts in that area.
Dr. Sowa called on SLAJ members to reflect deeply and adopt a new constitution that would ensure a more inclusive and stronger Association, reinforcing the need for the organization to heal and strengthen itself for the future.
SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, later emphasized the crucial role of inclusion, stating, “Inclusion is not just a slogan; it is a cornerstone of progress…for our association to remain relevant and resilient”. He highlighted the need to engage Journalist from marginalized communities, women in journalism, and those in rural areas. He said Founded in 1971; SLAJ has championed journalists’ protection and free speech for over 50 years.
As SLAJ members deliberated on the constitution, the event reinforced the Association’s role as a defender of press freedom and a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s democracy. With a renewed focus on inclusivity, accountability and professionalism, SLAJ is poised to lead the way in shaping a stronger, more united media landscape.
