By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone – December 5, 2025: President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has announced a significant increase in government subvention to the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), raising the annual allocation to NLe 2.7 million. The announcement was made during the seventh Presidential Media Cocktail at State House, attended by media leaders, editors, and representatives of national media associations.
President Bio described the move as a clear demonstration of his administration’s commitment to independent journalism and media sustainability, noting that government support to SLAJ has grown sharply since 2020, when Le 200 million (old Leones) was allocated. “For SLAJ, Christmas gift always comes early,” he remarked, stressing that the increase reflects deliberate reforms to strengthen media institutions, professional reporting, and public-interest journalism.
Press Freedom Gains
Highlighting reforms since 2018, President Bio said Sierra Leone has recorded historic progress in press freedom, climbing more than 25 places in the World Press Freedom Index since 2017 and ranking 56th globally in 2025. He credited the repeal of criminal libel laws, improved protection for journalists, and capacity-building initiatives for the achievement.
He further announced the approval of Sierra Leone’s first National Information and Media Policy, which sets standards for digital media governance, responsible use of artificial intelligence, and modernization of the information ecosystem. He noted that Sierra Leone achieved a 95% Freedom of Information compliance score this year and pledged to transform the Right to Access Information Commission into a stronger Access to Information Authority with enforcement powers.
Support for Media Development
President Bio reaffirmed his backing for the National Fund for Public Interest Media, which recently awarded grants to 14 media outlets. He highlighted government support for training over 500 journalists and information officers in fact-checking, digital literacy, and ethical reporting.
He linked media independence to Sierra Leone’s growing global profile, citing the country’s presidency of the UN Security Council, his election as ECOWAS Chairman, and the endorsement of the USD 2.2 billion Mission 300 Energy Compact. He urged journalists to tell Sierra Leone’s story “with pride and accuracy.”
Addressing Challenges
Acknowledging financial constraints, rapid technological change, and misinformation, President Bio outlined priorities including expanding media entrepreneurship, promoting media literacy, strengthening journalist protection, and deepening civic education. He also announced efforts to modernize national media institutions, including reforms to the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation and revival of legacy agencies such as the Sierra Leone News Agency and Government Daily Mail.
Closing his address, he emphasized the relationship between government and the press as one built on trust and shared values. “A President without a strong media is like Freetown without Cotton Tree, missing its heart, its identity, and its voice,” he said.
SLAJ President’s Response
In his first address as SLAJ President, Alhaji Manika Kamara underscored the importance of dialogue between the Presidency and the media as a cornerstone of democracy. He pledged to strengthen constructive engagement while safeguarding independence, outlining his ACTION Manifesto priorities: accountability, capacity building, transparency, innovation, open collaboration, and national cohesion.
Kamara reaffirmed SLAJ’s independence, promising collaboration with the government while defending public interest. He called for mutual support to ensure journalists can work safely and professionally, urging the government to view the media as an essential stakeholder in national development. He concluded with festive greetings, expressing hope for continued collaboration anchored in respect, truth, and progress.
He applauded President Bio for his commitment to press freedom.