APPN Urges Immediate Resolution of Melvin Tejan Mansaray’s Indefinite Ban
By Mohamed Kargbo
The African Parliamentary Press Network (APPN) has issued a press release on Monday 10th February 2025, marking exactly one month since the indefinite ban of journalist Melvin Tejan Mansaray from covering the Sierra Leone Parliament. The APPN is urging the leadership of the Sierra Leone Parliament, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, to swiftly investigate and resolve the circumstances surrounding the ban, which has sparked widespread concern among media stakeholders and civil society.
On 10th January 2025, Speaker Thomas declared Melvi Tejan Mansaray, a respected parliamentary journalist, political analyst, and social commentator, persona non grata, effectively barring him indefinitely from accessing the Chamber and precincts of the Sierra Leone Parliament. The ban was reportedly imposed over allegations of “reckless and insulting criticism” of the institution.
The APPN, a network representing parliamentary reporters and communication officers across Africa, has been closely monitoring the situation. The ban has drawn significant reactions from key stakeholders, including the Sierra Leone Parliamentary Press Gallery (PPG) and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ). However, despite interventions from these bodies, no resolution has been reached.
The APPN revealed that the Parliament is yet to lodge a formal complaint with the Independent Media Commission (IMC), the statutory body responsible for addressing media-related grievances. This delay has raised concerns about the transparency and fairness of the process.
In its statement, the APPN emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles, stating, “Justice delayed is justice denied.” The network underscored the critical role of press freedom in democracy, warning that suppressing dissenting voices risks stifling dialogue, undermining accountability, and weakening democratic governance.
“While APPN strongly supports ethical and professional journalism, we also underscore the importance of journalistic freedom as a cornerstone of democracy,” the release stated. “Democratic accountability requires that public officials and institutions remain open to scrutiny and criticism.”
The APPN expressed concern that the ban could set a dangerous precedent, deterring journalists from engaging in robust reporting or critical analysis of parliamentary affairs. Such an environment, the network argued, undermines the public’s right to information and transparency, which are essential for good governance.
To resolve the impasse, the APPN has aligned itself with calls from SLAJ and the Press Gallery for alternative channels to address grievances. The network urged the Sierra Leone Parliament to lodge a formal complaint with the IMC and initiate dialogue with all stakeholders to find a resolution that upholds both institutional integrity and press freedom.
The APPN also offered to facilitate discussions between the Parliament and media stakeholders to resolve the matter amicably. Additionally, the network expressed its commitment to working with the Sierra Leone Parliament to develop a code of conduct policy to guide the relationship between Parliament and the media. This policy would provide clear guidelines for addressing similar issues in the future.
“APPN is committed to fostering a constructive relationship between parliament and the media, promoting mutual respect in advancing good governance and sustainable development for the people,” the release concluded.
*(@) The Trumpet Newspaper*
