By Amin Kef (Ranger)

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA Sierra Leone and President of the Sierra Leone Bankers Association, Mohamed Alhajie Samoura, has called on journalists to embrace responsible and development-driven reporting, describing credible journalism as a key driver of economic growth and national development.

Mohamed Alhajie Samoura made the statement while delivering the keynote address at the 55th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), held on Friday June 12, 2026 at the University of Makeni Auditorium under the theme: "Strengthening Sierra Leone's Economy Through Responsible Journalism."

Addressing journalists, government representatives, development partners, and media stakeholders, Samoura said responsible journalism is no longer just a professional obligation but an economic necessity in an era increasingly challenged by misinformation, disinformation, and rapid digital transformation.

He explained that every thriving economy is built on trust, transparency, and accountability, adding that accurate and balanced reporting creates the confidence needed by investors, businesses, and development partners to make long-term commitments.

Samoura, who described himself as "a son of the media," paid tribute to his late father, Mohamed Samoura, one of the founding fathers of the Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA) and a former Commissioner of the Independent Media Commission. He disclosed that his own career began in journalism before moving into banking, giving him a deep appreciation of the profession and its role in nation-building.

According to him, responsible journalism should not be mistaken for public relations or the concealment of national challenges. Instead, he urged journalists to report on problems while equally highlighting solutions and opportunities for national progress.

He encouraged media practitioners to focus more on development issues such as agriculture, financial inclusion, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, technology, and economic diversification, noting that the media has the power to shape national conversations and influence policy priorities.

Samoura also challenged journalists to familiarize themselves with Sierra Leone's Medium-Term National Development Plan and use data-driven reporting to monitor government commitments and development outcomes.

On the issue of media sustainability, he observed that many media institutions continue to face financial difficulties and urged media owners to adopt entrepreneurial approaches, embrace digital innovation, and develop sustainable business models that reduce dependence on political patronage and irregular sponsorship.

He further called for stronger collaboration between the media, government, the private sector, and development partners to promote accountability and inclusive economic growth.

Earlier, SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara welcomed delegates and reaffirmed the Association's commitment to defending press freedom, promoting professionalism, and protecting the welfare of journalists.

He described responsible journalism as a national duty that supports transparency, accountability, and sustainable development. Kamara also addressed concerns over the Government of Sierra Leone's annual subvention to SLAJ, maintaining that the financial support does not compromise the independence of the Association or silence the media.

The National Coordinator of the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), Dr. Francis Sowa, also delivered a goodwill message in which he described responsible journalism as a critical pillar of democratic governance and economic transformation.

Dr. Sowa noted that business confidence and public trust depend largely on the quality of information available to citizens and institutions. He called for greater investment in media sustainability and professional development to strengthen independent journalism in Sierra Leone.

The Inspector General of Police, Mr. William Fayia Sellu, also addressed the gathering and praised the longstanding relationship between the Sierra Leone Police and SLAJ.

He commended journalists for giving a voice to the voiceless and contributing to democratic governance while encouraging practitioners to uphold the principles of fairness, accuracy, humanity, and accountability.

IGP Sellu reaffirmed the Sierra Leone Police's commitment to strengthening cooperation with the media and invited the SLAJ leadership to engage with police recruits as part of efforts to improve understanding between journalists and law enforcement officers.

The keynote presentations and goodwill messages formed one of the major highlights of the two-day AGM, with delegates agreeing that a professional, independent, and sustainable media sector remains essential for promoting accountability, strengthening democracy, attracting investment, and supporting Sierra Leone's economic transformation. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/uba-ceo-calls-for-development-journalism-and-sustainable-media-at-slaj-annual-meeting/