By: Saidu Jalloh (Intern)
Media and Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) has on the 7th September 2023 organized workshop on the review of the Draft National Media and Information Policy in Sierra Leone at Dohas Hotel, Bo.
This occasion was graced by the Minister of Information and Civic Education (MOICE) to engage on best this policy will come in full force.
In addressing the audience, Minister Bah stated that he was disappointed with the lack of females in the hall and he also encouraged media stakeholders to promote the active participation of women in any process involving the growth of the media.
“We cannot move this country forward with only men in the forefront. The president has demonstrated his willingness to promote women’s participation in governance through the GEWE Act. I want to appeal to all institutions to obey the legislation and ensure women’s representation is actualized. Women are development partners.” Minister Bah said.
Minister Bah stated that there would be a review of the whole Government Information Architecture in order to come up with a comprehensive information framework that would speak to how the government could effectively communicate to its people.
The chairman of Independent Media Commission (IMC), Dr. Victor Massaquoi also said, “there are many and multiple academics scholars and professionals suggesting that a well-defined information policy is central to not just organization but to a country also. Now we have e – government, e – document, e health facilities, a well-defined information policy is going to help reduced confusion, it is going to enhance coordination and it is also going to improve on how we do things.”
Massaquio explained that for them at the Independent Media Commission, it behooves them to be part of the national media and information policy, and it helps us to ensure that not just print media journalist but also media practitioners in general and the country in particular. When we had information system that worked, it would help all of us.
“The content in the National Media and Information Policy is reached when you read this document, it is revealing. If we go by this document definitely, it is going to help us; it is going to enhance us. Those of us who are communication specialists we know what it means to share information, when we collect information, when information flow is seamless and can help all of us and at end of the day it produces results that all of can be proud of.” He added.
The chairman Right to Access Information Commission, Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw explained that it was long overdue to have information policy; Shaw also said that they at the Right to Access Information Commission weapon the fight to have National Media and Information Policy.
“When you look at the information law is a bit chaotic and a lot of things have happened, a lot of challenges, a lot of conflict happened but if you read the National Media and Information Policy, it addresses all those challenges,’’ Shaw said.
