By: Aminata Sesay
The Parliamentary Committee on Information and Civic Education has expressed concerns over the operational capacity, digital performance, and institutional mandate of the Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA) during an oversight engagement with the agency’s management.
The meeting formed part of Parliament’s oversight responsibility to assess SLENA’s performance, financial position, strategic direction, and operational challenges.
Presenting SLENA’s status report for the period January 1, 2026, to date, Managing Director Lolo Yeama Thompson-Oguamah said the agency continues to reposition itself as Sierra Leone’s national news agency despite severe financial constraints. She disclosed that although Parliament approved SLENA’s 2026 budget, no procurement funds have been released, forcing the institution to sustain operations through staff commitment and support from development partners.
Thompson-Oguamah highlighted SLENA’s expanded national coverage through the deployment of 26 correspondents across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), including Parliament, the Office of the President, and other key institutions. She also noted the agency’s digital transformation, citing the launch of an official website with AI-powered translation features, strengthened social media presence, and partnerships with international news organizations in Morocco, Russia, and OIC member states.
However, Members of the Committee criticized the report for lacking measurable data on website traffic, social media engagement, and audience reach, which are essential for evaluating digital performance. They also raised concerns about possible overlaps between SLENA’s statutory functions and those of other institutions under the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, particularly the National Council for Civic Education and Development (NaCCED).
On SLENA’s relationship with the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), Thompson-Oguamah explained that SLENA remains the country’s official national news agency, producing credible content for public media institutions. She acknowledged SLBC’s independent newsroom development during SLENA’s inactive period but noted that collaboration has since resumed.
Logistical challenges were also discussed, with Thompson-Oguamah revealing that SLENA has no operational vehicle and relies on host MDAs for transportation and office support. She added that the agency has developed a five-year strategic plan shared with partners such as UNESCO and UNDP, though financial support is still pending.
Lawmakers further criticized the quality of the written report, citing typographical errors, vague indicators, and the absence of a clearly defined statutory mandate. They urged SLENA to strengthen internal editorial review processes before submitting official documents to Parliament.
In her closing remarks, the Committee Chairperson commended SLENA for sustaining operations despite financial difficulties and praised the deployment of correspondents across MDAs. She urged the agency to improve future reports by providing clearer information on statutory responsibilities, achievements, digital metrics, and strategic recommendations.
The Committee announced plans to conduct an oversight visit to SLENA headquarters and selected MDAs hosting correspondents to verify operations. The Chairperson assured management of continued advocacy for timely release of approved budgetary allocations and measures to strengthen SLENA’s institutional capacity.