By Brima Sannoh

The Independent Media Commission (IMC), with support from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and the European Union, convened a high-level stakeholder consultation at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, on 18 July 2025, to review the IMC Act 2020. This engagement was part of a wider national consultation process aimed at ensuring that Sierra Leone’s media legal framework aligns with the current realities and supports a free, independent and responsible media landscape. The exercise was in direct response to Recommendation 76 of the Tripartite Committee Report, which called for key reforms to enhance the IMC's regulatory capacity and independence.

Delivering a powerful statement, Chairman of the Independent Media Commission, Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa, Esq., underscored the importance of the review process in deepening media freedom, strengthening accountability and ensuring the IMC remains responsive to the evolving media landscape. He emphasized that the review of the IMC Act 2020 is crucial for aligning the Commission’s mandate with the dynamic realities brought about by digital media, particularly social media, and the rise of non-traditional news platforms. Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa, Esq. called on stakeholders to meaningfully engage in the review and to bring forward practical recommendations that would result in a robust regulatory framework capable of upholding journalistic standards, ensuring accountability and fostering public trust.

The day’s proceedings were moderated by the Executive Secretary of the IMC, Khalil Kallon, who guided participants through the various sessions and ensured focused, inclusive and productive dialogue. Media practitioners from print and electronic outlets, lecturers from journalism and media institutions, representatives from the Sierra Leone Police media unit, the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), civil society, and development partners participated actively in the discussions.

In a keynote address, Mawusi Durenu, Programme Officer for Elections at International IDEA, welcomed attendees and praised their commitment to strengthening Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions. He highlighted International IDEA’s 30-year global experience in supporting democratic governance and its extensive work in Sierra Leone, particularly in pre-election engagements and electoral risk management. Mawusi Durenu noted that International IDEA had been working closely with the IMC on media monitoring initiatives and that the acquisition of a media monitoring system would significantly enhance the Commission’s capacity to regulate content, protect against misinformation and build public trust in the media. He concluded by encouraging stakeholders to offer meaningful feedback during the review process, describing the initiative as a timely and necessary intervention to strengthen democracy and media governance.

Speaking on behalf of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), President Alhaji Manika Kamara lauded the initiative, describing the review as an important step towards media professionalism and accountability. He commended the International IDEA for securing the media monitoring equipment and highlighted how it would improve regulatory effectiveness. Alhaji Manika Kamara called for more proactive engagement from the Commission, especially in resolving disputes involving journalists. He stressed the need for revisions that reflect the challenges posed by social media and digital media outlets, which are not adequately addressed in the current IMC Act. He emphasized that all reforms must align with the 1991 Constitution and called on all stakeholders to fully engage in the process to ensure a progressive outcome.

Nancy Koroma, speaking on behalf of the Honorable Minister of Information and Civic Education, expressed the Ministry’s full support for the consultation and the objectives of Recommendation 76. She noted that the review was essential for improving the transparency of the IMC Chair appointment process, empowering the Commission to enforce the Media Code of Conduct and updating regulations to tackle hate speech and misinformation, particularly on social media during election periods. She called on participants to share their expertise and collaborate in shaping a strong, forward-looking legal framework that promotes responsible journalism and democratic resilience.

Facilitating the technical session, Dr. Francis Sowa led discussions on key areas including the appointment process for the IMC Chair, strengthening the Commission’s regulatory powers, reviewing current sanctions and addressing the role of social media in fueling hate speech during elections. Participants were later divided into thematic working groups to deliberate on those issues and provide recommendations. The outcomes of the group discussions were presented to the plenary by group leaders and will feed into the ongoing review process.

This stakeholder consultation forms part of broader nationwide engagements aimed at ensuring the IMC Act reflects the media’s evolving realities and incorporates lessons from the 2023 electoral cycle. Recommendation 76 of the Tripartite Committee Report, which emerged from post-election consensus between political parties, called for significant amendments to the IMC Act. These include improving the transparency of appointments, enhancing the IMC’s enforcement powers, updating the media code and ensuring proper training for journalists in political and electoral coverage.

With broad-based participation and commitment, the consultation marked a significant step towards strengthening the institutional framework that supports Sierra Leone’s media sector and democratic governance. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/imc-holds-stakeholder-consultation-to-review-imc-act-2020-in-line-with-tripartite-recommendation-76/