Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a landmark announcement reaffirming his administration’s dedication to press freedom and media development, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has revealed plans to increase government funding to the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) to 2.5 billion old leones in 2025.
The President made this declaration during the Presidential Media Cocktail held on December 10, 2024, at the Country Lodge Hotel in Freetown.
The annual event, which brings together journalists, media executives, government officials, and dignitaries, served as a platform for recognition, dialogue, and a renewed commitment to fostering a free and independent press. This year’s gathering stood out as President Bio outlined his administration’s unwavering support for the media and its crucial role in Sierra Leone’s democratic process.
“Journalism is not just a profession; it is a pillar of our democracy,” President Bio stated during his address. “We have seen the critical role the media plays in informing the public, exposing the truth, and fostering transparency. As part of my commitment to empowering the fourth estate, my administration will increase SLAJ’s budgetary support to 2.5 billion old leones in 2025, fulfilling a key election pledge.”
The increased funding, President Bio emphasized, is part of a broader strategy to enhance the capacity of SLAJ in supporting journalists, improving ethical standards, and promoting responsible reporting.
SLAJ President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla expressed gratitude for the government’s commitment, noting that the increased allocation would enable the association to expand training programs, provide welfare support for journalists, and tackle challenges such as media sustainability and access to resources.
The event also celebrated journalistic excellence, with awards presented to outstanding journalists and media organizations for their work in investigative reporting, public service journalism, and innovative storytelling. President Bio personally commended the awardees, highlighting their critical contributions to national development.
In addition to the celebrations, the Media Cocktail offered a platform for candid discussions on issues affecting the media landscape, including access to information, reporter safety, and the sustainability of media houses in the digital age. The President reassured journalists of his administration’s openness to constructive criticism and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding press freedom.
He underscored his government’s repeal of the seditious libel law as a landmark achievement and vowed to continue creating an enabling environment for the press to operate independently. “Your independence is vital for our progress as a nation,” he remarked.
The evening closed on a note of optimism and unity, with attendees leaving inspired by the President’s recognition of the media’s vital role in nation-building. The increased budgetary support signals a bold step toward empowering Sierra Leone’s press corps, ensuring they continue to play a pivotal role in promoting accountability, transparency, and democracy.
With this move, Sierra Leone’s media sector is poised for significant growth, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of the country’s democratic progress.
