The Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE), supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Plan International, and New York University, hosted a significant two-day regional consultation for the Western Area from July 17th to 18th, 2024. The event took place at the New Brookfields Hotel Conference Hall on Jomo Kenyatta Road in Freetown.
The consultation aimed to discuss and refine key national policies, including the National Civic Education Policy & Strategy, National Media and Information Policy, National Film Policy, and National Records and Archives Policy. This initiative is central to improving media and civic policies in Sierra Leone.
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, highlighted the essential role of media stakeholders in shaping a national media policy. He underscored the ministry’s commitment to enhancing press freedom and transforming the media landscape in line with President Bio’s vision. “We are committed to advancing press freedom, creating a free media space, and transforming the media sector in Sierra Leone,” Bah stated. He acknowledged the contributions of the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), and other media professionals, emphasizing that the policy would be entrusted to these groups post-consultation to ensure its sustainability and accountability.
Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, President of SLAJ, expressed satisfaction with the progress towards a comprehensive national policy on information and media. He noted that the policy would consolidate media development achievements in Sierra Leone and provide a framework for a more inclusive and professional media ecosystem. “A national policy on information and media will consolidate the many gains we have made in media development in Sierra Leone,” Nasralla remarked. He also mentioned the formation of a National Coordination Committee focused on the safety and sustainability of journalists, highlighting the importance of freedom of expression and press freedom.
Francis Sowa, Head of the MRCG and a policy consultant for the process, emphasized the extensive nationwide consultations conducted to ensure the policy’s comprehensiveness. He expressed confidence in the draft policy, which is now ready for stakeholder review and feedback.
Aminata Wurie, representing the UNDP, assured continued collaboration between UNDP and MoICE. She expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing partnership and anticipated future collaborative programs. “UNDP is very excited to have a partnership with the Ministry of Information and Civic Education on several programs for 2024. When these programs are completed, we look forward to exploring further opportunities together,” Wurie said.
Edward Kargbo, Country Director of the BBC Media Action Group, praised the policy as a blueprint for media development in Sierra Leone. He congratulated Minister Bah and his team on their progress and expressed his organization’s eagerness to see the policy’s future impacts.
The regional consultation highlighted a collective dedication to crafting enduring policies that will promote a more inclusive and professional media environment in Sierra Leone. This event marked a significant milestone in policy development and demonstrated the commitment of various stakeholders to advancing the media sector, ensuring its growth and sustainability for years to come.
