By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
The Executive of the Sierra Leone Guild of Editors, led by its newly elected President Mr. Thomas Dixon, paid a courtesy visit to the Presidential Press Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Keketoma Sandi, at State House.
The meeting aimed to foster closer collaboration between the media and the government, promote responsible journalism, and explore avenues for mutual support in advancing national development.
Welcoming the delegation, Press Secretary Sandi expressed appreciation for the visit and underscored the media’s vital role in shaping public discourse and upholding democratic principles.
“I receive you today not just as Press Secretary to the President, but also as a brother within the media landscape,” he stated.
He reiterated President Julius Maada Bio’s commitment to a free and independent press, while emphasizing the need for professionalism and accountability in journalism.
Mr. Ishmael Saidu Kanu, Esq., National Secretary of the Guild, highlighted the Guild’s intention to build a more structured working relationship with the Office of the Press Secretary.
“We are one of your core constituencies. The Press Secretary’s office is the main hub connecting the public and the Presidency,” he noted, advocating for increased coordination and communication.
In his remarks, Guild President Thomas Dixon thanked the Press Secretary for the warm reception and conveyed the Guild’s congratulations to President Bio on his recent election as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
He reaffirmed the Guild’s commitment to national development through ethical and balanced journalism, and outlined key components of the Guild’s strategic vision: Recognizing veteran editors with lifetime achievement awards, investing in digital journalism training, advocating for more equitable and media-friendly advertising policies
“We appreciate the government’s continued support through subventions, but we seek more structured collaboration to empower media institutions,” Dixon stated.
In response, Press Secretary Sandi expressed the government’s readiness to support the Guild’s initiatives and collaborate on their strategic objectives.
“On behalf of the President, I want to assure you that we are ready to work with you on your strategic plan,” he said, adding that he looks forward to engaging further once the plan is finalized.
He also pledged to deliver the Guild’s message of congratulations to President Bio.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, marking a significant step toward enhancing cooperation between the media and the government. Both parties affirmed their shared responsibility in promoting democratic values, transparency, and national progress.