The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists has renewed its call for wider access to accurate, timely and credible information, linking open institutions to stronger democracy and public accountability.

SLAJ made the call on 28 September 2026, when Sierra Leone joined the global commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information. This year’s theme focused on upholding information integrity in the digital age and the role of access to information in addressing information disorder.

The association said access to information is essential to meaningful public participation, accountability and democratic governance. It called on public institutions to meet their access-to-information obligations, proactively release information of public interest and strengthen transparency and openness.

Access and information integrity

SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara said journalists must verify information, observe professional and ethical standards and provide accurate, contextualised reporting. He added that journalists could not carry out those responsibilities effectively without timely access to credible information and public institutions that respond to legitimate requests.

“When accurate information is accessible, false information has less room to thrive. Transparency is one of our strongest defences against information disorder,” Kamara said.

He also said that open communication from government institutions helps citizens distinguish facts from falsehoods. SLAJ said the growth of digital platforms had expanded opportunities to produce and share information while also intensifying concerns over misinformation, disinformation and malinformation.

The association appealed to journalists and media organisations to maintain professional standards when gathering, checking and distributing information. It also urged technology platforms and citizens to act responsibly when producing, sharing and consuming information.

Kamara said addressing information disorder required a shared effort. “The fight against information disorder is not the responsibility of journalists alone. It requires Government, the media, technology platforms and citizens to collectively defend the public’s right to know and the integrity of information,” he said.

Appeal over Parliament access

SLAJ’s renewed advocacy for access to information came alongside its defence of journalists’ professional independence and access to public institutions.

On 25 September, Kamara called on the Speaker of Parliament to reconsider the decision barring journalist Melvin Tejan Mansaray from entering the premises of the Parliament of Sierra Leone. The source of the report does not state why Mansaray was barred or identify the Speaker by name.

Speaking to members of the Sierra Leone Parliamentary Press Gallery, Kamara said the media was not an extension of Parliament’s public relations wing. He described it instead as an independent institution with a responsibility to serve the public interest.

The Parliamentary Press Gallery meeting was held under the theme “From Draft to Covenant: Securing the Gallery’s Future.” SLAJ said it remained committed to constructive engagement with Parliament and other public institutions while protecting journalists’ professional independence and access to information.