The multiple-award winning journalist and sports editor Ishmail Saidu Kanu is set to contest for the President of Sports Writers’ Association of Sierra Leone (SWASAL) come November, 2024.

Ishmail has emerged to become an influential personality and a voice to reckon with in the media landscape.

With a B.Sc. and LLB from Fourah Bay College and a degree from the Sierra Leone Law School, he has developed a unique perspective that resonates across various platforms as he was moving to addressing issues that matter to sports journalists in Sierra Leone.

Ishmail began his career in 2009 as a freelance journalist, and he quickly moved to serve in many roles with being a broadcaster at Culture Radio and a writer at Plain Truth Newspaper, where he built himself a strong foundation in sports reporting.

At Believers Broadcasting Network (BBN FM 93.1), Ishmail flourished as Executive Producer, Presenter, and Reporter from 2011 to 2021.

This position led him to receive notable achievements, including the Sports Producer of the Year Award in 2014 and known for having achieved multiple recognitions at the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists Media Awards category by winning the Best Sports, Political and Health Reporting category.

During his time as Senior Producer and Presenter at the Independent Radio Network (IRN), Ishmail further expanded his influence thereof.

Currently, he serves as an Editor at Tribune Times Newspaper, where his editorial insights have helped shape his meaningful reporting.

Last year had been particularly successful for Ishmail Saidu Kanu, and he was named one of Africa’s Ten Best Sports Journalists and received the Best Investigative Piece award at the Vickie Remoe Awards.

These accomplishments reflect his commitment to high-quality journalism thereby tackling some important social issues through  investigative work.

Beyond reporting, Ishmail plays a key role in governance and civil society aspects.

As Head of Parliamentary Affairs at Institute for Governance Reform, he facilitates important conversations between the media and the government, thus promoting transparency and accountability.

His involvement in programmes like the Parliament CSO Network and Open Government Partnership demonstrates a dedication to informing the public.

A strong advocate for education and media literacy, Ishmail recently led a session on Media Law in Sierra Leone at Tuazama Leadership College in the USA where he was motivating the next generation of journalists with his experience and knowledge.

As he continues to influence the media landscape in Sierra Leone, Ishmail serves as an inspiration to many others in the media and beyond. With a steadfast commitment to truth and social justice, he demonstrates the powerful role sports journalism can play in fostering a more informed and engaged society.