Information Minister Reaffirms Commitment to Press Freedom and Digital Rights
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to press freedom, privacy rights, and responsible journalism at a national digital policy engagement focused on Sierra Leone’s cybercrime, data protection, and anti-terrorism laws.
Delivering the keynote address at the high-level dialogue in Freetown, Minister Bah emphasized that ongoing legal and policy reforms under President Julius Maada Bio’s administration are designed to strengthen democratic governance, expand civic space, and build a more resilient digital ecosystem.
“Our legal frameworks must protect press freedom, promote an open society, and respect the privacy and dignity of every Sierra Leonean,” the Minister stated. “I am committed to being a partner in the progressive reform of this sector, and we will do this work together.”
The Minister announced that two major national policy documents—the Media and Information Policy and the Records and Archives Policy—have been formally tabled in Cabinet for approval. Both policies were developed through nationwide consultations and are expected to modernize the country’s information and records infrastructure. He described them as “groundbreaking” and central to Sierra Leone’s drive toward greater transparency, accountability, and historical preservation.
Highlighting President Bio’s record, Bah noted Sierra Leone’s improved ranking on the World Press Freedom Index and the repeal of the criminal libel law as proof of the administration’s commitment to media freedom.
“Under President Bio’s leadership, Sierra Leone is now one of the most open media environments in West Africa,” he said. “This progress is no accident—it reflects deliberate choices to empower journalists, support free expression, and embrace transparency.”
Minister Bah also underscored the Ministry’s efforts to institutionalize proactive information sharing, citing weekly government press briefings, citizen engagement platforms, and real-time crisis communication as part of its approach to building public trust.
At the same time, the Minister acknowledged the growing pressures facing the media sector in the digital age, including the race to break news and the rise of unverified content shared by citizen journalists.
“When speed overrides accuracy, trust is eroded,” he cautioned. “We must address the critical capacity gaps in journalism by investing in ethical reporting, rewarding integrity, and providing more opportunities for professional growth.”
He further noted that the Data Protection Policy and Bill—currently in advanced stages—aims to balance individual privacy rights with the public’s right to know, ensuring protections for both citizens and journalists in the digital space.
The policy engagement brought together key stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, media, and international partners to deliberate on how Sierra Leone can responsibly regulate digital technologies while protecting fundamental freedoms.
In closing, Minister Bah urged all actors to work collaboratively to sustain reforms and build a digital future that is open, secure, and fair.