By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
In a significant parliamentary session held on Tuesday, June 4th, 2024, leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties united in expressing profound concerns regarding the current state of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC). The occasion centered on the unanimous approval of the SLBC Chairperson and Board Members, underscoring a collective commitment to swiftly revamp SLBC into a preeminent media entity within the nation.
During the approval proceedings, Honorable Abdul Kargbo, the Minority Leader and a prominent figure within the Opposition in Parliament, delivered a compelling address. Hon. Kargbo juxtaposed SLBC against other state broadcasting corporations across West Africa, including those in Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, and Liberia. Highlighting SLBC’s seniority in comparison to many of its regional counterparts, he raised pertinent questions regarding the disparity in performance. “You cannot compare SLBC with any other state broadcaster in West Africa in terms of age. So, what is the problem with SLBC?” he poignantly questioned.
Furthermore, Hon. Kargbo elucidated on the advanced technological infrastructure employed by the Ghanaian state broadcasting institution, advocating for a similar digital transformation within SLBC. He emphasized the imperative for collaborative efforts towards national advancement and urged the Sierra Leonean government to adopt strategies akin to those implemented in Ghana for SLBC’s rejuvenation. Notably, he admonished the newly appointed officials to prioritize national service over personal gain.
Echoing these sentiments, Honorable Mathew Sahr Nyuma, the Majority Leader and a key figure in Government Business, reiterated the pressing need for SLBC’s modernization. Assuring parliamentary support, Hon. Nyuma pledged to advocate for enhanced budgetary allocations from the Ministry of Finance to facilitate SLBC’s transition from analogue to digital broadcasting. Drawing from his firsthand observation of Ghana’s broadcasting transformation, he urged SLBC’s new leadership to emulate such progress.
Contributing to the discourse, Deputy Opposition Leader Honorable Daniel Koroma proposed direct engagement with the Ministry of Finance to secure increased budgetary provisions for SLBC in the forthcoming fiscal year. Emphasizing the urgency of action, Hon. Koroma stressed the futility of awaiting parliamentary budgetary deliberations to initiate substantive reforms necessary for SLBC’s digitalization.
Additionally, Deputy Majority Leader Honorable Bashiru Silikie raised grave concerns regarding SLBC’s operational efficacy, citing allegations of corruption and managerial inefficiencies. Expressing dismay over the institution’s inability to fulfill even basic operational requirements, he urged the newly appointed Chairperson to leverage her expertise and collaborate with the Director General to effect transformative change.
In conclusion, Parliament’s collective call for SLBC’s revitalization underscores a bipartisan commitment to advancing Sierra Leone’s media landscape. The resounding message is clear: SLBC’s transformation is not just a matter of institutional renovation but a critical step towards realizing the nation’s communication potential and fostering national pride.
