As the 7th June 2025 elections of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) fast approaching, the spotlight is turning toward the race for National Secretary General, a key post featuring two formidable contenders: Christian Alpha Conteh and Edward Marah. Both bring compelling visions and opposing styles to the contest, offering SLAJ members a critical choice on the future of the association’s Secretariat.
Christian Alpha Conteh: A Modern Voice for a New Generation
Christian Alpha Conteh, a multi-award-winning journalist with over a decade of experience across radio, television, print, and digital media, is positioning himself as a forward-looking leader ready to drive SLAJ into a new era. His background includes roles in Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Nigeria, with a reputation for bold storytelling, fact-checking advocacy, and inclusive engagement.
Conteh’s campaign is built on three main priorities: defending press freedom through proactive legislative engagement, enhancing professional development for all journalists— especially those in the provinces, and fostering transparent, timely communication between the SLAJ executive and its membership.
“He will remain a strong and vocal advocate for press freedom, working with the new SLAJ president to establish a committee that reviews bills at the parliamentary stage and takes action against any provisions that threaten freedom of speech and the press,” a statement from Conteh’s campaign team pointed out.
Edward Marah: The Institutional Strategist with Decades of Service
Facing him at the polls is Edward Marah, a seasoned journalist with 25 years of experience and a longstanding contributor to SLAJ and its affiliate bodies. Marah’s declaration is built around what he calls the “P-R-I-D-E” agenda — Productivity, Respectability, Integrity, Dedication, and Excellence. He is known for his administrative depth, having served previously as SLAJ’s Public Affairs Secretary and in executive positions within numerous media development organizations.
Marah’s vision includes establishing a biometric ID system for SLAJ members, creating a real-time emergency hotline for journalists under threat, and setting up a Welfare Trust Fund to support veteran colleagues. His candidacy appeals to continuity, experience, and a strong grounding in both local and international media partnerships.
“I pledge to give my all, my time, my service, and my knowledge to deliver on my promises to you, my cherished colleagues, and to assure you as your Secretary General, that I will work steadfastly with the President and the rest of the Executive both at national and regional levels to better the standing of our beloved association both in defense of press freedom, advocacy on issues of national interest and to seek the welfare of members,” Marrah pointed out.
A Key Decision for SLAJ
The Secretary-General post is the administrative heartbeat of SLAJ— responsible for coordination, communication, and the smooth running of the association’s day-to-day affairs.
In Conteh and Marah, SLAJ members see two distinct choices: one offering innovation, youth inclusion, and digital engagement— the other promising stability, institutional memory, and structured leadership. Both candidates are deeply rooted in journalism and united in their commitment to advancing the profession.
As campaigns unfold and platforms are scrutinized, the race promises not just a contest of personalities but a decision on the route SLAJ should take in the next three years. Whether members vote for a modernizer or a guardian of tradition, one thing is clear, the future of SLAJ’s secretariat is firmly on the ballot.
