By: Mamajah Jalloh
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) on Friday, 23 October 2026, concluded a stakeholders’ validation exercise on a proposed stand-alone Chapter 12 on Press Freedom and Free Speech in Sierra Leone’s national Constitution, in a move aimed at strengthening constitutional protections for journalists and freedom of expression.
The exercise brought together media experts, civil society organizations, legal practitioners and other stakeholders to review and validate the proposed chapter. Participants described constitutional protection for press freedom and freedom of expression as essential to democracy, good governance, accountability and national development.
Speaking at the ceremony, SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara said the association had made significant efforts to advance the process through engagements with the Office of the Attorney-General, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, and other relevant stakeholders.
He noted that, if adopted, the proposed stand-alone chapter would explicitly safeguard press freedom, guarantee freedom of expression and strengthen public trust in the media and democratic institutions.
The Coordinator of the Independent Radio Network (IRN), Ransford Wright, said the initiative began during the constitutional review process led by the Justice Cowan-led Constitutional Review Committee. He described reaching the validation stage as a significant achievement, not only for SLAJ and the media fraternity but also for citizens across the country.
Wright emphasised that political will would be crucial to securing the successful adoption of the proposed chapter.
Representing the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), Augustine S. James said the organization had been involved in the process from its inception, with its National Coordinator playing a vital role throughout. He called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders and urged the team to engage relevant partners to advocate for the inclusion of the proposed chapter in the ongoing constitutional review process.
The President of Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), Eastina Taylor-Tucker, highlighted the importance of press freedom to female journalists, noting that women in the profession continue to face numerous challenges.
She stressed the need for stronger constitutional protections to enable female journalists to work freely, safely and independently, without undue interference.
Alphaso Kamara, Project Manager at BBC Media Action, said the media had a strong interest in promoting good governance, adding that a free and independent media was essential to national development.
He called for collective efforts to protect press freedom, stressing that the responsibility should not rest solely with journalists. He also emphasised that press freedom must go hand in hand with responsible journalism.
Other media practitioners, civil society representatives and legal experts who participated in the validation exercise also underscored the importance of constitutional safeguards for freedom of expression.
They called for the proposed chapter to extend its protections beyond traditional media to include new and digital media platforms, reflecting the rapidly evolving media landscape.
Following the validation of the document, SLAJ is expected to embark on lobbying and public awareness campaigns to promote the proposed chapter and build broader public and institutional support for its inclusion in the national Constitution.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the proposed reforms could mark a significant milestone in strengthening press freedom, safeguarding freedom of expression and deepening democratic governance in Sierra Leone.
The validation exercise was led by Paul Kamara, Esq., with technical guidance from Dr. Isaac Massaquoi, who conducted a desk review of the document to inform the strategic media campaign.