By Ragan M. Conteh

In a statement released by the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) over the weekend, it expressed deep concern over the decision of the Speaker of the Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, to bar journalist Melvin Tejan Mansaray from accessing the precincts of Parliament.

SLAJ described the action as “a troubling development for press freedom and the principles of accountability in the country’s democracy, given that it’s based on allegations of “malicious criticism” of parliamentary decisions.

The release further stated that, while SLAJ acknowledges the Speaker’s concerns regarding journalistic standards, they it however strongly believe that barring a journalist from covering parliamentary proceedings undermines the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression and the press.

It further maintains that such actions set a dangerous precedent and could erode public trust in the commitment of Parliament to transparency and accountability.

“We therefore call on Parliament to reconsider this decision and refer the matter to SLAJ and the Independent Media Commission (IMC), as suggested by the leader of the opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo. SLAJ is the professional body to address concerns regarding the professional conduct of journalists in the country while the IMC is the statutory body to regulate the conduct of the media,” the release added.

The statement furthered that SLAJ will immediately engage the leadership of Parliament to better understand the circumstances surrounding this decision.

At the same time, the organization said it’s launching an internal investigation to assess the allegations against Mansaray.

“We urge all journalists to adhere to the highest standards of ethical and professional journalism. At the same time, we remind public institutions of their duty to uphold the rights of journalists to report freely and without intimidation,” SLAJ alluded.

The release furthered that SLAJ remains committed to defending press freedom and promoting responsible journalism in Sierra Leone.

In similar vein, the Parliamentary Press Gallery – Sierra Leone (PPG-SL) has also taken note of the decision by the Rt. Hon. Speaker of the Sixth Parliament of Sierra Leone, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas to suspend journalist and an executive member of the Parliamentary Press Gallery, Mr. Melvin Tejan Mansaray from covering parliamentary proceedings.

This decision, announced during Parliamentary sitting on Friday, 10th January 2025, stems from allegations of what Speaker Thomas perceived as unprofessional reporting by Mr. Mansaray regarding parliamentary affairs.

The release stated that, while the PPG-SL condemns unprofessional journalism, “We are also concerned about the decision that has been taken by the Speaker and therefore kindly requests Parliament to reconsider its decision.”

The Parliamentary Press Gallery remains committed to upholding professional journalistic standards in all parliamentary reporting. In this regard, “We want to assure the public, Parliament and our members that this matter will be looked into accordingly.”

The Gallery has also drawn the attention of its parent body, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), to swiftly intervene.

As a key stakeholder in promoting transparency and accountability through accurate and balanced reporting, the Press Gallery is dedicated to fostering a constructive and cordial relationship with parliament at all times.

Earlier, the House Speaker of the Sierra Leone Sixth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone, the Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas on Friday the 10th January 2025, made a ruling indefinitely barring journalist, Melvin Tejan Mansaray from gaining access to the precinct of Parliament for what he said was ‘practice reckless journalism’.

In his ruling, Mr. Speaker informed the House that he had received many complaints and concerns from Members of Parliament across both sides of the House about a particular individual parading the territorial enclave of Parliament as a journalist named Melvin Tejan Mansaray for maliciously misleading the public regarding the decision Parliament took on the 20th December 2024 regarding the removal of the Auditor General and her Deputy for various misconducts.

Speaker Thomas continued that Melvin Tejan Mansaray had been engaging several media houses and maliciously criticizing the decision of the House of Parliament.

Speaker Thomas made it very clear that on that day of voting, he tried his best to ensure that the procedures and processes of parliament relating to that particular matter were transparent. He said the process was done in the face of the gallery to ensure that people were in the Chamber of Parliament just to observe the process. He added that even the Clerk of Parliament went close to the opposition side when he was conducting the election with the full view of promoting transparency.

The Speaker told the nation that when the House of Parliament makes a ruling and someone feels dissatisfied, that person has the legal standing to go to the Supreme Court as a citizen for interpretations of certain provisions in the 1991 constitution.