The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Wednesday 22/10/2025 in Committee Room One, Parliament Building provided a day’s training for members of the Parliamentary Press Gallery on the theme: ‘’Enhancing Parliamentary Journalism for effective democratic governance’’.
Welcoming participants during the event, the Deputy Clerk of Parliament, Gilbert Bosco N’habay welcomed all the members of the Press Gallery. He spoke on the commitment of Parliament to working closely with the press with the view of making Parliament an open environment. He encouraged the press to be objective and accurately report on the proceedings of Parliament.
On her part, the Interim President of the Parliamentary Press Galley, Feima Sesay, expressed appreciation for the reception they had received from Parliament over the years. She underscored progress and development during her tenure as Acting President. She added that parliamentary reporting is not only about reporting but providing accurate information about the activities and operations of Parliament. She encouraged her colleagues to be more responsible and professional in parliamentary reporting.
President of Sierra Leone Reporters Union, Yeanor Kabia, centred her statement on the need for all reporters to be objective in reporting on national issues across the country. She also lauded the administration of Parliament for supporting the Press Gallery.
The Vice President of Women in the Media, Mabinty Magdalene Kamara, expressed appreciation for the capacity building organized by Parliament for members of the Press Gallery. She said that ethical reporting is essential for all the journalists across the country. “Our work as parliamentary reporters is critical and must be done responsibly,’’ she said. She thanked Parliament for being gender inclusive in its operations.
The President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, Manika Kamara, extended appreciation to the Leadership of Parliament for creating a conducive space for parliamentary reporting. He said that a parliamentary relationship with the press needs more training for the press to enhance effective and efficient parliamentary reporting to the public. He encouraged parliamentary journalists to be more objective and ethical in reporting.
The Deputy Leader of Government Business 2, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina underscored the importance of journalism in nation-building. He encouraged the media in Parliament to practice responsible journalism on parliamentary activities. He acknowledged the role of the press in ensuring tranquillity and peace in the country.
In his keynote address, the Clerk of Parliament, Karmoh Conteh, reaffirmed that he had tremendous regard for the press and that he had always been a friend to members of the press. He described the press as an instrumental tool for holding Parliament accountable. He encouraged the media to report within the laws governing the practices and procedures of Parliament. He urged parliamentary journalists to abreast themselves with the rules and procedures of Parliament for purposes of accuracy. He expressed special thanks to President Bio for the repeal of Part V of the Public Order Act of 1965. “Whilst the journalists should report positive news about Parliament, the House is not also averse to negative news against itself, but it must be done responsibly’’. He encouraged journalists to improve on their dress code when coming to Parliament. He maintained the need for issuing identity cards to accredited parliamentary journalists and assured of maintaining professional working relationships with members of the Parliamentary Press Galley.
