By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu, Bo City
The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) South, Andrew Mustapha Kamara, has engaged members of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) South in a strategic dialogue aimed at addressing concerns over an alleged restriction on journalists covering a high-profile court case in Bo City.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders from both the police and the media to clarify reports that the AIG had ordered a ban on journalists covering court proceedings involving the Mayor of Kenema City Council and renowned musician Alhaji Amadu Bah, popularly known as LAJ.
Addressing the gathering, AIG Kamara categorically dismissed the allegations, stating that at no point did his office issue any directive to bar journalists from covering court proceedings. He reaffirmed the Sierra Leone Police’s commitment to press freedom and emphasized the importance of the media as a vital partner in national development.
Providing further clarification, the Regional Operations Commander South, Superintendent Mohamed Bangura, explained that journalists were not banned but faced limitations due to space constraints in the courtroom, which could not accommodate the large number of media personnel.
The meeting was chaired by the OSD Coordinator South, DSP Hilton Lahai, and attended by Deputy AIG Fatmata Daboh Kamara. In her remarks, Deputy AIG Kamara stressed that the purpose of the engagement was not to apportion blame.
“This is not a court of law where we seek to assign blame,” she said, urging both institutions to prioritize cooperation and mutual respect. She underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the police and the media in promoting accountability and building public trust.
Also speaking at the meeting, SLAJ National Vice President Richard Lahai Ngevao highlighted the longstanding relationship between the police and the media, which is anchored on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). He called for continued dialogue to further strengthen this partnership and effectively address emerging concerns.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both the Sierra Leone Police and SLAJ reaffirming their commitment to deepening collaboration, enhancing transparency, and working together in the broader interest of national development.