PRESS RELEASE
February 10, 2025
The African Parliamentary Press Network (APPN) is respectfully calling on the Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas and the Leadership of the Sierra Leone Parliament to swiftly work with all stakeholders to investigate and resolve circumstances that led to the ban of Melvin Tejan Mansaray from Covering Sierra Leone Parliament.
Today marks exactly one month (10th January 2025 to 10th February 2025), since the Speaker of the Sierra Leone Parliament, Honorable Solomon Segehpoh Thomas, declared Melvin Tejan Mansaray, Parliamentary Journalist and Political Analyst and Social Commentator, persona non grata, which in effect indefinitely barred him from accessing the Chamber and precinct of the Sierra Leone Parliament on allegations of reckless and insulting criticism.
As a network representing parliamentary reporters and communication officers across Africa, we have been closely monitoring this development, which has elicited significant reactions from key stakeholders, including the Sierra Leone Parliamentary Press Gallery (PPG) and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ).
Unfortunately, our checks revealed that the Parliament is yet to lodge a formal complaint with the Independent Media Commission (IMC), and the intervention of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists and the Parliamentary Press Gallery have all not yielded any fruitful result yet.
The APPN wish to respectfully remind the leadership of the Sierra Leone Parliament and all stakeholders that Justice delayed is justice denied.
Upholding Democratic Principles
While APPN strongly supports ethical and professional journalism, we also underscore the importance of journalistic freedom as a cornerstone of democracy. Suppressing dissenting voices risks stifling dialogue, undermining democratic principles, and weakening accountability. Democratic accountability requires that public officials and institutions remain open to scrutiny and criticism.
We believe a more balanced approach is essential to defend institutional integrity while respecting democratic values.
Implications of the Ban
This decision risks setting a precedent that could deter journalists from engaging in robust reporting or critical analysis of parliamentary affairs. Such an environment undermines the public’s right to information and transparency, which are critical to democracy and good governance.
Proposed Resolution
We align with calls from SLAJ and the Press Gallery for alternative channels to address grievances. Matters of alleged journalistic misconduct should be referred to independent regulatory bodies, such as the Independent Media Commission (IMC) and SLAJ, which are better positioned to handle such cases fairly. We urge the Sierra Leone Parliament to as a matter of urgency lodge a formal complaint to the IMC and also initiate dialogue with all stakeholders to find a resolution that upholds both institutional integrity and press freedom. APPN stands ready to facilitate discussions to resolve the current impasse amicably.
The APPN is committed to fostering a constructive relationship between parliament and the media, promoting mutual respect in advancing good governance and sustainable development for the people. We are ready to work closely with the leadership of the Sierra Leone Parliament to develop a code of conduct policy to guide the relationship between Parliament and the media.
This will ensure that in the future when similar issues occur, there will be clear guidelines on what needs to be done and the steps to follow in doing so.
Signed:
Steering Committee
African Parliamentary Press Network (APPN)
For further inquiries contact:
Gilbert Borketey Boyefio
Secretary General
African Parliamentary Press Network (APPN)
gboyefio@parliamentafrica.com
+233243915206
Olu Ibekwe
Chairman
Steering Committee
African Parliamentary Press Network (APPN)
oluchukwuibekwe@gmail.com
+2348034077681
Clement Akoloh
Head of Communications
African Parliamentary Press Network (APPN)
+233244993616
