By Alfred Koroma
The Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas bans Melvin from Parliament
The African Parliamentary Press Network (APPN) has called on the leadership of the Sierra Leone Parliament to urgently investigate and resolve the indefinite ban placed on journalist Melvin Tejan Mansaray from covering parliamentary proceedings.
Melvin, a parliamentary journalist, political analyst, and social commentator, was barred from accessing the Sierra Leone Parliament on January 10, 2025, after being declared persona non grata by Speaker Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas. The decision was based on allegations of reckless and insulting criticism.
The APPN, an organization representing parliamentary reporters and communication officers across Africa, expressed concern over the lack of due process in handling the matter. The group noted that despite calls from the Sierra Leone Parliamentary Press Gallery (PPG) and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Parliament has yet to file a formal complaint with the Independent Media Commission (IMC), the regulatory body responsible for overseeing media ethics and conduct in Sierra Leone.
In its statement issued on Monday, APPN stressed that while it supports ethical and professional journalism, press freedom is essential to democracy. The organization warned that banning journalists for critical reporting could set a dangerous precedent, discouraging media professionals from holding public institutions accountable.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. Suppressing dissenting voices risks stifling dialogue, undermining democratic principles, and weakening accountability,” the statement read.
The group also noted that democratic institutions must remain open to scrutiny and criticism, as transparency is vital for good governance.
The APPN has aligned itself with SLAJ and the Press Gallery in advocating for a fair and independent resolution to the issue. The organization urged Parliament to formally submit a complaint to the IMC if it believed Melvin acted unethically. It further called for dialogue between Parliament, media stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to resolve the impasse.
Additionally, the APPN has offered to facilitate discussions and collaborate with Parliament to develop a code of conduct governing the relationship between lawmakers and the press. Such guidelines, it argues, would provide a structured approach to handling future disputes without resorting to bans or restrictions.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to fostering constructive engagement between Parliament and the media, promoting mutual respect and collaboration in the interest of good governance and sustainable development.
