In a media advisory issued by the Ministry of Information and Communications, concerns have been raised regarding foreign journalists operating in Sierra Leone without proper accreditation.

The Ministry is urging all foreign journalists to obtain accreditation from the Ministry prior to commencing their work within the country.

The accreditation requirement applies to a wide range of events, including national events, elections, festivals, and other activities. Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs) of Government, as well as the general public, are requested to verify the accreditation status of any foreign journalist before engaging in any business or collaboration.

The Ministry of Information and Communications emphasized that failure to comply with this notice will result in the full enforcement of the law. Foreign journalists found practicing in Sierra Leone without the necessary accreditation may face legal consequences.

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To facilitate the accreditation process, the Information Directorate of the Ministry of Information and Communications has outlined the required documents for foreign journalists seeking accreditation. These documents include an official letter of accreditation, a completed application form, a copy of the applicant’s passport (valid for at least six months before planned entrance to Sierra Leone), a copy of the visa, and a copy of the Press Card.

Foreign journalists are encouraged to transmit scanned copies of these documents in electronic form (pdf format) via email to the following addresses: [email protected] and [email protected]. The Ministry commits to reviewing the applications and issuing temporary accreditations within three days from the date of document submission.

Upon receipt of a temporary accreditation, representatives of foreign mass media will be issued an accreditation card by the Ministry of Information and Communications. Journalists seeking the accreditation card must contact the Ministry upon their arrival in Sierra Leone at the following location:

8th Floor, Youyi Building

Brookfield, Freetown

Sierra Leone

The Ministry of Information and Communications underscores the significance of adherence to these accreditation procedures for foreign journalists in order to ensure transparency and accountability in the media landscape of Sierra Leone.