The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has announced the receipt of its annual government subvention amounting to SLE 2.7 million for the 2026 fiscal year.
The funding, first pledged by President Julius Maada Bio in 2018 as part of his administration’s commitment to media development, continues to be disbursed annually and is subjected to independent audits by the Audit Service Sierra Leone.
According to SLAJ, the subvention plays a critical role in sustaining the association’s operations at both national and regional levels, supporting affiliate bodies, and funding key initiatives including journalist safety and press freedom advocacy.
The association stressed that its elected officials serve on a voluntary basis and do not draw salaries from the subvention funds. Addressing recurring public concerns about its independence, SLAJ clarified that it is not a media house and does not control editorial policies or content of member outlets.
“Our strategic partnership with government is focused solely on strengthening the media sector, enhancing professionalism, and promoting ethical journalism,” SLAJ stated. “This does not compromise our role in defending press freedom, advocating for journalist safety, and holding institutions to account.”
The association further reaffirmed its integrity and independence, noting that while it creates an enabling environment for journalists, the responsibility to investigate, report, and speak truth to power rests with individual media houses. Membership in SLAJ remains voluntary, reflecting the diversity of Sierra Leone’s media landscape.
SLAJ expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Information and Civic Education and the Ministry of Finance for their continued support, while assuring the public of its unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the public interest.
