In a visit to Hon. Chernor Ramadan Maju Bah office in Pademba Road on 19th October, 2024, the Executive of the Eastern Base Journalists expresses their challenges face in serving as the forth estate in the country.

President, Eastern Base Journalists Association, Alie Bai Kamara described the association as a new born baby that was born to address the issues faced by journalists in the eastern of Freetown.

Journalists in the eastern part of the capital, Freetown continues to face significant humiliation, while media poverty sends the wrong message that journalists are beggars “The association is focused on providing the much-needed support through mentorship and collaboration, “Alie Bai Kamara noted. President Alie Bai Kamara further lauded to the Statesman for his dedication to duty while he was serving as Deputy Speaker, opposition leader and running mate.

Isaac Williams, Vice President, Eastern Base Journalists Association appreciated Hon. Maju Bah for such a meeting with the Association. Williams stressed the ongoing challenges face by eastern journalists, while noting that media poverty, intimidation and neglect are militating against their Association.

The Vice President spoke about plans to register the Association with the Cooperate Affairs Commission and affiliate with the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ).

He emphasized the need for support from stakeholders in ensuring that the Association is sustainable to build the capacity of the Eastern Base Journalists Association.

Suagibu Abdul Rahman, Secretary General, Eastern Base Journalists Association reiterated similar sentiment that eastern Base journalists need support. Suagibu remarked that they are optimistic that the setting up of the Association will help protect eastern journalists from marginalization and neglect.

Financial Secretary, Eastern Base Journalists Association, Ibrahim Saddam Kamara also throwed light on the prevailing circumstances surrounding the setting up of the Association and its overall vision in supporting journalists in eastern, Freetown.

Hon. Chernor Ramanda Maju Bah in his reply admonished the Executive of the Eastern Base Journalists Association to serve their corniscience, act as gatekeepers and be watchdogs of the country.

The lawmaker and former leader of the opposition in the fourth and fifth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone also urged the Executive of the Eastern Base Journalists to remain professional and focus on promoting national development and human-interest stories rather than sensationalism.

“Continue to serve your conscience and stay committed to your work and people will recognize your efforts in the future,” he said.

“Don’t politicize the association, bring everyone on board” he continued personal political affiliation should not hinder participation in the association’s activities,” Hon Maju Bah said. He maintained that Sierra Leone could achieve greatness if all of its citizens prioritize peace and unity. “Cherricco” added that as journalists they play a critical role in nation’s development,

hence the reason they are supposed to be a critical voice in safeguarding national

development. Hon. Chernor Ramanda Maju Bah referred to the association as important in addressing the challenges faced by journalists in the eastern part of Freetown.

The former law maker pointed out that journalists should think collectively about Sierra Leone’s progress and pledged to support their efforts towards national development.