Media Leaders Call for Ethical Journalism and Active Civic Engagement in National Reforms
By Benjamin S Conteh
As Sierra Leone continues to navigate key democratic reforms, leading voices in the media and civil society are calling on journalists to take a more active role in promoting transparency, accountability, and informed public discourse. At the launch of the Media Training Program, held in the Western Area, stakeholders urged media professionals to deepen their knowledge, counter misinformation, and uphold the highest standards of ethical journalism in the public interest. Ahmed Sahid, representing Talking Drums Studio, warmly opened the session by expressing appreciation for the collaborative efforts behind the Kaya media training initiative. He recognized the vital partnership between Talking Drums Studio, Slash, and the Institute for Research and Media (IRM), describing the program as a cornerstone in strengthening journalism and promoting democratic accountability in Sierra Leone.
Sahid highlighted that the media training is being conducted across five regions, with the current phase taking place in the Western Area. The focus is on senior journalists, whom he described as crucial gatekeepers of public information. According to him, the training seeks to empower them to accurately track and report on national reforms, especially those linked to the constitutional review process and anti-human trafficking measures.
He emphasized the need for continuous media engagement with the National Steering Committee the body tasked with coordinating national reform processes. “Journalists must not only inform but also interrogate institutions and advocate for the truth,” Sahid said. He urged media practitioners to promote shared responsibility for democratic reforms and called for a proactive stance in combating misinformation and disinformation at the community level.
Speaking on behalf of the International IDEA and the European Union, Mohamed Koma underscored the international community’s commitment to supporting democratic institutions in Sierra Leone. He noted that this support is grounded in Article 21 of the EU Treaty, which mandates the promotion of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law globally particularly in Africa.
Although some key representatives were unable to attend, conveyed their ongoing support for Sierra Leone’s democratic journey. He pointed out that an informed citizenry is fundamental to sustainable governance and warned against the dangers of misinformation, which he said can destabilize entire societies.
Konnoh highlighted that nearly 20 laws
mostly related to elections and governancebare currently under review. Among them is the Independent Media Commission (IMC) Act, which directly affects the legal framework for media operations in the country. He called on journalists to help explain these reforms to the public, ensuring that accurate and accessible information is widely disseminated.
Adding his voice to the call for professionalism, Ransford from the Independent Radio Network (IRN) commended the organizers and urged journalists to treat the training as a serious capacity-building opportunity, rather than merely a venue for allowances. He stressed the importance of conflict-sensitive reporting, especially given the dynamic and often polarized political climate in Sierra Leone.
Ransford also reminded participants that the media landscape is constantly evolving, and journalists must stay ahead through continuous learning. He concluded by expressing gratitude to International IDEA, the EU, SLAJ, and all consortium partners for their commitment to building a more resilient and responsible media sector. As the program moves into other regions, the message remains clear: journalists must embrace their roles as watchdogs, educators, and defenders of the public trust equipped not just with facts, but with integrity and purpose. As Sierra Leone continues to navigate key democratic reforms, leading voices in the media and civil society are calling on journalists to take a more active role in promoting transparency, accountability, and informed public discourse. At the launch of the Media Training Program, held in the Western Area, stakeholders urged media professionals to deepen their knowledge, counter misinformation, and uphold the highest standards of ethical journalism in the public interest. Ahmed Sahid, representing Talking Drums Studio, warmly opened the session by expressing appreciation for the collaborative efforts behind the Kaya media training initiative. He recognized the vital partnership between Talking Drums Studio, Slash, and the Institute for Research and Media (IRM), describing the program as a cornerstone in strengthening journalism and promoting democratic accountability in Sierra Leone.
Sahid highlighted that the media training is being conducted across five regions, with the current phase taking place in the Western Area. The focus is on senior journalists, whom he described as crucial gatekeepers of public information. According to him, the training seeks to empower them to accurately track and report on national reforms, especially those linked to the constitutional review process and anti-human trafficking measures.
He emphasized the need for continuous media engagement with the National Steering Committee the body tasked with coordinating national reform processes. “Journalists must not only inform but also interrogate institutions and advocate for the truth,” Sahid said. He urged media practitioners to promote shared responsibility for democratic reforms and called for a proactive stance in combating misinformation and disinformation at the community level.
Speaking on behalf of International IDEA and the European Union, Mohamed Koma underscored the international community’s commitment to supporting democratic institutions in Sierra Leone. He noted that this support is grounded in Article 21 of the EU Treaty, which mandates the promotion of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law globally particularly in Africa.
Although some key representatives were unable to attend, Koma conveyed their ongoing support for Sierra Leone’s democratic journey. He pointed out that an informed citizenry is fundamental to sustainable governance and warned against the dangers of misinformation, which he said can destabilize entire societies.
Koma also highlighted that nearly 20 laws
mostly related to elections and governance are currently under review. Among them is the Independent Media Commission (IMC) Act, which directly affects the legal framework for media operations in the country. He called on journalists to help explain these reforms to the public, ensuring that accurate and accessible information is widely disseminated.
Adding his voice to the call for professionalism, Ransford from the Independent Radio Network (IRN) commended the organizers and urged journalists to treat the training as a serious capacity-building opportunity, rather than merely a venue for allowances. He stressed the importance of conflict-sensitive reporting, especially given the dynamic and often polarized political climate in Sierra Leone.
Ransford also reminded participants that the media landscape is constantly evolving, and journalists must stay ahead through continuous learning. He concluded by expressing gratitude to International IDEA, the EU, SLAJ, and all consortium partners for their commitment to building a more resilient and responsible media sector.
As the program moves into other regions, the message remains clear: journalists must embrace their roles as watchdogs, educators, and defenders of the public trust equipped not just with facts, but with integrity and purpose.
