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The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, (SLAJ) is set to adopt a new constitution following their Annual General Meeting (AGM) with the theme: Charting the Way Forward: New Constitution for Inclusive and Stronger SLAJ in Bo City, Southern Sierra Leone.
The Association has already amended some of its provisions in their constitution and aims to adopt a new one that will breed inclusivity.
The President of the Association, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla said, “Inclusion is not just a slogan; it is a cornerstone of progress. Inclusion is a necessity for our association to remain relevant and resilient.”
He added that the institution cannot claim to advocate for the truth if they are not internally committed to representing all voices within the profession.
“The way forward must include renewed efforts to engage and involve journalists from marginalised communities, women in journalism, and those operating in rural areas,” Nasralla said.
The body, which was founded in 1971, has championed the protection of journalists and free speech for over 50 years. The AGM is seen by many members as period to renew their vigor in uploading the principles of fairness and justice in the course of their work.
The AGM, which ends on Saturday, September 28, invites senior and respectable individuals from other professions to share their knowledge with members of the Association.
This year’s keynote speaker is former Chairman of the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) and now Supreme Court Judge, Abdulai Masiyambay Bangurah.
However, some journalists have been critical of this, especially the appearance of the current Bar Association President, Tuma Gento Kamara at the AGM. They argued that Kamara’s presence at the AGM is a recognition of her presidency which some lawyers disapprove of.
