By Alimatu Jalloh
Freetown – Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, has reiterated the government’s firm dedication to press freedom, digital rights, and responsible journalism during a high-level national policy dialogue held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
The event, organized by Paradigm Initiative and the Media Reform Coordinating Group, focused on legal frameworks governing cybercrime, data protection, and anti-terrorism in Sierra Leone. It brought together stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, international partners, and the media to chart a rights-respecting path for digital governance.
In his keynote address, Minister Bah emphasized that ongoing legislative reforms under President Julius Maada Bio’s administration are tailored to strengthen democracy, expand civic space, and promote a resilient and inclusive digital ecosystem.
“Our legal frameworks must protect press freedom, promote an open society, and respect the privacy and dignity of every Sierra Leonean,” he said. “I am committed to being a partner in the progressive reform of this sector, and we will do this work together.”
Minister Bah announced that two key national policy documents—the Media and Information Policy and the Records and Archives Policy—have been tabled before Cabinet. Describing them as “groundbreaking,” he noted that both were developed through extensive national consultations and are expected to modernize Sierra Leone’s information infrastructure.
He also cited President Bio’s track record in improving the media landscape, including the repeal of criminal libel laws and the country’s improved position on the World Press Freedom Index.
“Under President Bio’s leadership, Sierra Leone is now one of the most open media environments in West Africa,” he remarked. “This progress reflects deliberate choices to empower journalists and support transparency.”
Digital Age Challenges and Opportunities
The Minister acknowledged the digital age’s challenges, including the spread of misinformation and the pressure on journalists to prioritize speed over accuracy. He called for investment in ethical journalism, capacity building, and integrity-driven reporting to maintain public trust.
He further highlighted the ongoing development of the Data Protection Policy and Bill, which aims to safeguard privacy and the public’s right to information.
The event concluded with a shared call for collaboration among stakeholders to shape policies that secure digital rights and foster democratic resilience.