By Mohamed Konneh
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has concluded its stakeholders’ engagement to validate the proposed stand-alone Chapter 12 on Press Freedom and Free speech in Sierra Leone’s national constitution.
Media stakeholders at the engagement critically reviewed and validated the proposed chapter, describing constitutional protection for press freedom and freedom of expression as essential to democracy, good governance, and national development.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Coordinator of the Independent Radio Network (IRN), Ransford Wright, said the process had started many years. He described reaching the validation stage as a significant achievement, not only for the association and the media, but also for citizens across the country.
Mr. Wright stressed that political will would be crucial to ensuring the proposed chapter becomes a reality.
The President of Women in the Media Sierra Leone, Eastina Taylor-Tucker, highlighted the importance of press freedom to female journalists, noting that women in the profession continue to face numerous challenges. She emphasized the need for stronger protections to enable female journalists to work freely and carry out their responsibilities without undue interference.
The representative of BBC Media Action, Alphaso Kamara, said the media has a strong interest in promoting good governance and that a free and independent media is crucial to national development.
Kamara called for collective efforts to protect press freedom, noting that the responsibility should not rest solely with journalists. He also stressed that press freedom and responsible journalism must go hand in hand.
The President of SLAJ, Alhaji Manika Kamara, said the association had made tremendous efforts to advance the process, including engaging the Attorney-General’s office.
President Manika noted that the proposed stand-alone chapter, if adopted, would explicitly protect press freedom, guarantee freedom of expression, and strengthen public trust in the media and democratic institutions.
Media practitioners and civil society representatives who participated in the validation exercise also emphasized the importance of constitutional safeguards for freedom of expression. They called for the proposed chapter to cover not only traditional media but also new and digital media platforms, reflecting the changing media landscape.
Following the validation, SLAJ is expected to embark on lobbying and public awareness activities to promote the proposed chapter and build broader support for its inclusion in the national constitution.
Stakeholders underscored that the proposed reforms could mark an important step towards strengthening press freedom and protecting freedom of expression in Sierra Leone.
