By Amin Kef-Ranger

Demonstrating solidarity and a commitment to national development through responsible journalism, the Executive of the Sierra Leone Guild of Editors (SLGE), led by its newly elected President, Thomas Dixon, paid a courtesy call on the Press Secretary to the President, Yusuf Keketoma Sandi Esq., on Friday, 11 July 2025, at State House in Freetown.

The meeting, described as warm and constructive, focused on deepening collaboration between the media and the Office of the President, while reaffirming the Guild’s dedication to promoting good governance through ethical and balanced journalism.

Welcoming the delegation, Yusuf Keketoma Sandi expressed appreciation for the visit and emphasized the pivotal role editors play in shaping public discourse. “I receive you today not just as Press Secretary to the President, but also as a fellow member of the media fraternity,” he said. “President Bio is a firm believer in press freedom. He sees a free and responsible media as central to democratic accountability and national progress.”

Highlighting the need for stronger collaboration, the National Secretary of the Guild, Ishmael Saidu Kanu Esq., described the Office of the Press Secretary as a critical communication bridge between the public and the Presidency. “As editors, we view this office as one of our key touchpoints for accurate information and coordination. Strengthening our relationship can only benefit the nation,” he noted.

Guild President, Thomas Dixon, extended his gratitude for the reception and reaffirmed the Guild’s unwavering commitment to national development through factual reporting and professional ethics. He also congratulated President Julius Maada Bio on his recent election as Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.

“We are proud to see Sierra Leone take on such a significant leadership role on the regional stage,” Thomas Dixon stated. He further outlined the Guild’s strategic priorities, which include instituting lifetime achievement awards to honor veteran editors, equipping media professionals through digital journalism training and advocating for policy reforms that support the financial sustainability of the print media particularly through revisiting outdated Government advertising frameworks.

“We are grateful for the Government’s continued subventions to the media sector,” he said, “but we also seek more structured collaboration to empower media institutions in a rapidly changing information landscape.”

Responding to the Guild’s proposals, Yusuf Keketoma Sandi welcomed their strategic initiatives and expressed the Presidency’s readiness to engage. “On behalf of His Excellency President Bio, I want to assure you that our doors are open. Once your strategic plan is finalized, we will identify areas of mutual interest and cooperation,” he affirmed.

He concluded the meeting by thanking the Guild for their visit and pledged to deliver their congratulatory message to President Bio, reaffirming that the Government remains committed to fostering a free, responsible and empowered press in Sierra Leone.

The meeting marks a renewed chapter in media-Government collaboration, with both parties expressing optimism for a partnership grounded in mutual respect, professionalism and a shared vision for national development. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/guild-of-editors-engages-press-secretary-on-strengthening-media-government-collaboration/