The leadership of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) on Monday, 20th January 2025, engaged the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Solomon Segepoh Thomas, regarding the ban imposed on journalist Melvin Tejan Mansaray from accessing the precincts of Parliament until further notice.
During candid discussions about the circumstances surrounding the Speaker’s decision and SLAJ’s subsequent press release condemning the action, the following resolutions were agreed upon as initial steps to address the issue:
- REVOCATION OF THE BAN
Parliament will consider SLAJ’s proposal for the Speaker to revoke the ban on the journalist. The Speaker assured SLAJ that he would consult with parliamentary leadership and communicate the outcome. - FORMAL COMPLAINT TO IMC
Parliament will submit a formal complaint to the Independent Media Commission (IMC), with SLAJ copied, outlining their grievances against Melvin Tejan Mansaray. - REORGANIZATION OF THE PRESS GALLERY
SLAJ will collaborate with Parliament to reorganize the Parliament Press Gallery of Sierra Leone and facilitate the election of an executive to manage the affiliate body’s affairs. - CAPACITY BUILDING FOR JOURNALISTS
SLAJ will work with Parliament to provide regular training and capacity-building initiatives for journalists reporting on parliamentary activities.
The SLAJ delegation included President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, former President Umaru Fofana, Vice President Sahr James Bangah, Secretary-General Alhaji Manika Kamara, Public Affairs Secretary Humu Hawa Bakarr, Financial Secretary Mohamed Konneh, and the interim leadership of the Press Gallery.
