Aruna Turay, AYV News, May 30, 2025
Alhaji Manika Kamara, a seasoned media practitioner and respected voice within the journalism community, has officially unveiled his manifesto for the presidency of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), anchored on the theme: “Leading with A.C.T.I.O.N. – Building on Progress. Delivering More. Together.”
Manika Kamara’s manifesto, launched under the acronym A.C.T.I.O.N. (Advocacy, Commitment, Transparency, Innovation, Organisation, and Networking), outlines a bold and inclusive vision to build on SLAJ’s recent gains, deepen its institutional capacity, and deliver measurable impact across the country’s media landscape.
“Progress is not a destination, it’s a journey,” Manika Kamara declared, acknowledging SLAJ’s transformation over the past six years—from the repeal of the criminal libel law to the establishment of the National Fund for Public Interest Media (NaFPIM). “We’ve come far, but there’s still more to do. It’s time to act decisively.”
According to the manifesto, Kamara’s leadership will be grounded in the principles of inclusivity, professionalism, and proactive reform, drawing strength from collective will and shared responsibility.
Manika Kamara promises to deepen SLAJ’s advocacy efforts by finalising and lobbying for legislation such as the progressive Media Freedom Bill (Chapter 12), and collaborating with the Ministry of Information and Civic Education on critical policy enactments.
Further plans include:
•Making the Independent Media Commission (IMC) the first legal stop for media-related complaints.
•Institutionalising national presidential debates in partnership with ECSL and PPRC.
•Strengthening partnerships with legal and civil society allies to push back on laws that threaten freedom of expression.
To coordinate these efforts, a Media Freedom and Policy Unit will be established within SLAJ.
Under the Commitment pillar, Kamara pledges to operationalise SLAJ’s Gender Equality Policy nationwide, enforce anti-sexual harassment measures, and advocate for full implementation of labour laws, including the minimum wage and NASSIT compliance in media institutions.
A Welfare and Inclusion Coordination Framework will guide these efforts, while partnerships with organisations like UN Women, BBC Media Action, and MRCG will drive regional progress.
Manika Kamara intends to maintain the outsourcing of SLAJ’s financial management to FNL, continue annual independent audits, and publish quarterly financial and programme reports.
Plans are also underway to introduce an Accountability Tracker to monitor institutional commitments and ensure compliance with anti-corruption recommendations.
Recognising the impact of emerging technologies on journalism, Kamara vows to scale up digital training, expand the iVerify platform to the provinces, and collaborate with universities—both locally and internationally—to enhance capacity.
A flagship Sierra Leone Journalism Futures Observatory will be launched to monitor global trends, assess local impact, and promote ethical technology use in media.
On Organisation, Kamara commits to completing the SLAJ Eastern Region Office, supporting regional chapters with infrastructure, and renewing calls for a permanent SLAJ headquarters.
He also pledges to support specialised journalist networks on key development themes and to align all activities with the Media Manifesto and National Action Plan for Media Development.
A new initiative, SLAJ Connect, will be launched to improve communication and coordination across chapters, affiliates, and leadership.
“No journalist thrives alone,” Kamara affirms. As such, SLAJ will strengthen its partnerships with media regulatory bodies, civil society, academia, and international allies like IFJ, CPJ, and FAJ.
Efforts to institutionalise SLAJ’s role in national emergencies—such as during Ebola, COVID-19, and Mpox—will culminate in the creation of a Media Emergency Response Framework. A Strategic Relations Desk will also be set up to coordinate advocacy and representation at various national and international platforms.
At the heart of Kamara’s vision are three critical strategic tools:
1.The Media Manifesto (The Media We Want) – Setting a collective vision for the industry.
2.The National Action Plan for Media Development – Outlining reform priorities.
3.The National Fund for Public Interest Media (NaFPIM) – Financing impactful journalism.
“These are not abstract documents,” Kamara said. “They are living strategies, and under my leadership, they will be resourced, activated, and implemented.”
Manika Kamara concluded his presentation with a strong rallying call: “This is not about making promises; it’s about building on what we’ve already achieved. With your support, we will move SLAJ forward with purpose, pride, and progress.”
As SLAJ prepares for its next elections, Alhaji ManikaKamara emerges as a frontrunner, promising not just continuity but a transformative agenda rooted in advocacy, integrity, and shared progress.
Vote Alhaji Manika Kamara — Leading SLAJ with, and to, A.C.T.I.O.N.
