Alex M. Vandy, external contributor
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has concluded its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Bo, Southern Region, with the theme: ‘Charting the Way Forward: New Institution for an Inclusive and Stronger SLAJ’.
Running from September 26th to 28th, 2024, the event brought together leading media professionals and key stakeholders to evaluate the association’s progress and outline its future direction.
Speakers include Tuma Jabbie, President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA); Patricia Narsu Ndanema, Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL); Dr. Francis Sowa, National Coordinator of the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG); Ahmed G. Sowa, Eastern Region Commissioner for the Right to Access Information Commission (RAIC); Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa, Chairman of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), and Ben Foday of NaTCA.
Additionally, Fredrick Ampiah, Resident Representative of UNDP Sierra Leone, officially launched the SLAJ Annual National Awards 2024/2025.
The keynote address was delivered by Hon. Justice Abdulai Masiyamba Bangurah, Justice of the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone and former Chairman of the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), who gave his opinion on the upcoming SLAJ Constitution and proposed key recommendations.
This year’s AGM holds particular significance as it focus is on creating a new, inclusive institution for SLAJ that will bolster its advocacy for media rights and improve working conditions for journalists nationwide.
Under the leadership of President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, SLAJ has made remarkable strides. His tenure witnessed the historic repeal of the libel law, greatly expanding press freedom. In addition, for the first time, SLAJ now benefits from government subventions, providing crucial financial support to the association.
Among Nasralla’s notable achievements is the acquisition of land for SLAJ offices. The Eastern Region is nearing completion of a state-of-the-art building, the association’s first-ever owned office. The Southern Region has also secured land for a future office, reflecting SLAJ’s expanding reach and organizational strength.
Nasralla’s leadership has been transformative, solidifying his reputation as one of SLAJ’s most successful presidents and securing him a second term in office during the last elections in Makeni unopposed. As his tenure approaches its conclusion next year, discussions around potential constitutional changes, including term limits, have gained momentum.
Founded in 1971, SLAJ continues to be a vital advocate for the rights and welfare of journalists in Sierra Leone. The ongoing AGM is poised to set the stage for the association’s next chapter, with a strong emphasis on building a more inclusive and resilient organization for media professionals across the country.
The event, chaired by Musa Mewa, saw an upbeat atmosphere as the media fraternity celebrated SLAJ’s 53rd Annual General Meeting.
