SLAJ Advocates for Press Freedom Stand-Alone Chapter

By Abdul Rahman Bah

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has renewed calls for stronger constitutional protection of press freedom, freedom of expression and the safety of journalists as stakeholders validated a proposed standalone chapter on the media and free speech in the country’s Constitution.

The validation meeting was held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Public Service Conference Hall, Tower Hill, Freetown, bringing together media practitioners, government representatives, civil society organisations, development partners and other stakeholders to examine the proposed constitutional framework.

Speaking at the meeting, SLAJ President, Alhaji Manika Kamara, described the validation exercise as an important step in a process that has been ongoing for more than a decade. He recalled that previous efforts had been made to secure constitutional recognition and protection for press freedom, but the recommendations were not fully reflected in the final constitutional reform process.

Kamara disclosed that SLAJ had engaged the Ministry of Justice on several occasions, including meetings in 2024 and 2025, during which the proposed document was presented for consideration. He said the current process had received encouragement from the Justice Ministry, with assurances that after validation and further institutional consultations, the document could be forwarded to the relevant committee for possible consideration by Parliament.

He also revealed that he had recently met with the Chairman of Parliament’s Legislative Committee, who expressed interest in the process and requested a position paper on the Disaster Management Act. Kamara said SLAJ intended to submit the document for further consideration.

The SLAJ President emphasised that the proposed chapter should not be viewed as a document designed exclusively to protect journalists. Rather, it seeks to safeguard the rights of ordinary citizens, bloggers, musicians, civil society activists and everyone who exercises freedom of expression.

Alphaso S. Kamara, Project Manager at BBC Media Action, described the initiative as essential to strengthening democratic governance, transparency and accountability. He warned that while digital technology has expanded opportunities for information sharing, it has also created challenges, including misinformation, disinformation, online harassment, economic pressures on media institutions and threats to journalists’ safety.

He stressed that the proposed chapter was particularly important as Sierra Leone approaches the 2028 electoral cycle, when the protection of free expression and access to reliable information will be crucial.

Augustine James, Head of Programmes at the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), said the proposed framework would benefit both journalists and ordinary citizens by strengthening the protection of free speech.

Estina Taylor Tucker, President of Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), called for stronger recognition of women’s participation in media governance. She highlighted the additional challenges female journalists face, including sexual harassment, online abuse, discrimination and underrepresentation in leadership positions.

Ransford S. C. Wright, National Coordinator of the Independent Radio Network (IRN), described the process as a long journey requiring stronger political will. He urged stakeholders to intensify public engagement so that citizens could understand and support the proposed reforms.

As the document moves towards further consultations, stakeholders are expected to scrutinise its provisions and ensure that it provides practical safeguards for press freedom, access to information, journalistic independence and citizens’ constitutional rights.

The European Union was acknowledged for providing financial support for the media project through which the validation exercise was conducted.