By: Aminata Sesay
To enhance transparency and promote responsible journalism, the Parliament of Sierra Leone convened a one-day capacity-building session for members of the Parliamentary Press Gallery under the theme, “Enhancing Parliamentary Journalism for Effective Democratic Governance.” The training, held in Committee Room One of the Parliament Building, marks another milestone in Parliament’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its collaboration with the media, recognizing the press as a crucial partner in fostering open governance.
The session was attended by members of the press gallery and various media organizations, with a focus on enhancing the capacity of journalists covering parliamentary proceedings.
In his welcome address, the Deputy Clerk of Parliament, Gilbert Bosco N’habay, reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to maintaining an open and transparent institution. He emphasized the pivotal role of the media in bridging the gap between Parliament and the public, urging journalists to report with accuracy and objectivity.
“We see the press as a partner, not an outsider. Accurate and responsible reporting is what builds public trust in Parliament,” N’habay stated.
The Interim President of the Parliamentary Press Gallery, Feima Sesay, reflected on the progress made in strengthening the relationship between Parliament and journalists. She highlighted that parliamentary reporting goes beyond simply covering daily events; it is about educating the public on how laws are made and ensuring that leaders are held accountable.
Similarly, Yeanor Kabia, President of the Sierra Leone Reporters Union, called on journalists to maintain objectivity when covering national issues and commended Parliament for recognizing the media as a vital stakeholder in governance.
For Mabinty Magdalene Kamara, Vice President of Women in the Media, ethical reporting is essential. She applauded Parliament’s inclusivity and urged female journalists to take full advantage of such training opportunities to enhance their professional skills.
The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Manika Kamara, emphasized the importance of continuous capacity-building efforts to improve the quality of parliamentary journalism. He stated that informed reporting leads to a more engaged and politically aware citizenry.
Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, Deputy Leader of Government Business II, added a parliamentary perspective, stressing the indispensable role of the media in maintaining peace and stability. “A well-informed media promotes national cohesion,” he noted.
Delivering the keynote address, Clerk of Parliament Karmoh Conteh reiterated his respect for the media, describing journalists as essential allies in ensuring Parliament remains accountable to the people. He encouraged reporters to familiarize themselves with parliamentary rules and procedures to enhance accuracy and fairness in their coverage.
Conteh also highlighted the importance of professionalism, urging journalists to maintain high standards in both ethics and appearance. He welcomed the idea of accrediting parliamentary reporters with official identity cards to enhance their credibility and facilitate order.
“Parliament welcomes both positive and critical reporting—so long as it is done responsibly and within the law,” Conteh stated, commending President Bio for repealing Part V of the Public Order Act, which previously criminalized libel.
The event concluded with technical sessions led by Sheku Lamin Turay, Director of the Parliamentary and Public Relations Department, and other facilitators. Topics covered included Understanding Parliament and Techniques of Effective Reporting, Ethical Journalism, social media and Investigative Reporting, and Emerging Challenges in Parliamentary Coverage.
Moderated by Sulaiman Bah, Principal Public Relations Officer, the session reaffirmed a shared commitment between Parliament and the media: ensuring that citizens receive accurate, balanced, and credible information about the country’s legislative processes.