The Independent Media Commission (IMC) has found Night Watch Newspaper in breach of professional media standards over a publication alleging that the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) was a “drug trans-shipment hub.”
The ruling, dated October 12, 2026, followed a complaint lodged by Mac’Ivan Kakpindi Vandy, Head of Media and Public Relations at SLPHA, over an August 17, 2026, article titled “SLPHA, A Drug Trans-shipment Hub? – Allegations Abound.”
In its determination, the IMC found that Night Watch Newspaper violated Regulation 5(1)(a) of the Independent Media Commission (Print and Electronic Media) Regulations, 2022, which requires media institutions to take reasonable steps to provide accurate, balanced and credible information to the public.
According to the ruling, the Complaints Committee found that the newspaper failed to take adequate steps to verify the serious allegations before publishing them. The committee also found that SLPHA was not given a meaningful opportunity to respond before the allegations were made public.
Although the newspaper’s Managing Editor, Emmanuel Thorli, claimed that attempts had been made to contact the Authority, the committee stated that the evidence did not establish that SLPHA had been given a meaningful opportunity to present its position.
The ruling further noted that Night Watch initially stood by its publication during the first hearing on September 1, 2026. However, at a second hearing on September 8, the newspaper acknowledged that the article was inaccurate and unbalanced.
The newspaper subsequently issued a written apology and published two retractions, which SLPHA confirmed receiving. While the IMC recognised these actions as mitigating factors, it stressed that they did not erase the original breach or the potential reputational harm caused by the publication.
“The subsequent correction does not erase the original regulatory breach or the potential harm arising from the initial publication,” the ruling stated.
Following its meeting on October 6, 2026, the IMC ratified the Complaints Committee’s recommendations. These included formally warning the newspaper’s Managing Editor and editorial management, directing the removal of the offending article from the newspaper’s website and other online platforms under its control where it remained accessible, and requiring compliance with professional standards of accuracy, balance, credibility and responsible reporting in future publications.
The ruling underscores the importance of verification, fairness and responsible journalism, particularly when reporting serious allegations that could affect the reputation of public institutions.
Commenting on the ruling, SLPHA Director General Yankuba Askia Bio said the Authority remained committed to transparency, accountability and responsible engagement with the media in the public interest.
He said SLPHA maintained an open-door policy for media practitioners across the country and encouraged journalists to contact the Authority for clarification or information whenever necessary.
“We abhor fake news, misinformation and disinformation. As such, always reach out to our Media and Public Relations Unit for clarification on allegations or whatever information instead of publishing or broadcasting untrue stories about the port,” Bio said.