Freetown, Sierra Leone – Thomas Josephus Dixon has been elected as the new Chairperson of the Guild of Newspaper Editors (GoNE) in Sierra Leone, following the successful conduct of the Guild’s 2025 executive elections held on Saturday, April 19. The announcement was made by the Chief Electoral Commissioner, who officially declared the results at the close of polls.
Dixon, a respected media practitioner and Managing Editor of New Age Newspaper, defeated Elias Bangura in a closely contested race, securing 44 votes—36 cast in person and 8 through proxy—compared to Bangura’s 29 votes, which included 24 in person and 5 by proxy.
The election attracted high interest among members, with a strong voter turnout of 92.4%. Of the Guild’s 79 registered members, 73 participated in the poll, including 13 valid proxy votes. A total of six candidates contested for five executive positions, while two roles—Assistant Secretary General and Organizing Secretary—remained vacant due to a lack of nominations.
Dixon’s election marks a significant moment for the Guild, as he brings decades of editorial experience to the role and a vision rooted in renaissance and collective progress. In his pre-election statement of intent, he emphasized his desire not just to lead, but to serve, outlining what he called the “GUILD Manifesto”—a call for greatness, unity, inclusivity, leadership, and development.
He pledged to make the Guild a more formidable institution within Sierra Leone’s media landscape, encouraging diversity of thought, supporting gender inclusivity, and promoting capacity building amid the challenges posed by digital disruption and artificial intelligence in the media industry.
Joining Dixon in the newly elected executive are Abu Kalokoh as Vice Chairperson, Ishmael Saidu Kanu as Secretary General, Alusine Sesay as Financial Secretary, and Komba Fillie as Public Affairs Secretary. All four ran unopposed.
In his final remarks, the Chief Electoral Commissioner thanked the Electoral Committee, particularly members Christian Conteh and Samuel Jeremiah Kargbo, for their dedication throughout the process. He also commended Guild members for their trust and participation in what he described as a transparent and credible election.
Dixon’s victory sets the stage for what he describes as an opportunity to “awaken the sleeping giant” within the Guild—a mandate he now carries with the backing of a strong majority of his peers.
