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Photographers in Sierra Leone have called for increased government support as the rising cost of professional cameras and equipment continues to challenge practitioners in the sector.
The call was made during World Photography Day celebrations jointly organised by the Sierra Leone Union of Professional Photographers (SLUPP) and the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) at Hotel 5-10 in Kissy, Freetown. The event also served as SLUPP’s annual general meeting.
Representing MoICE, Assistant Director of Government Information Services Kai Mansa Musa called for stronger collaboration between the ministry and SLUPP. He highlighted photography’s role in public communication and preserving personal and national history, while encouraging the union to strengthen its internal structures.
SLUPP Regional Adviser for the South, Charles Williams, called for targeted funding to help photographers acquire modern equipment. He said rising equipment costs have made it difficult for practitioners to remain competitive and urged government empowerment programmes to include skilled professionals such as photographers.
Williams noted that photographers provide essential services, including producing photographs for examinations, passports, employment and other official processes. He also said SLUPP, one of Sierra Leone’s oldest professional photography organisations, continues to face challenges related to financing and equipment access.
Photographer and former SLUPP Chairlady Fatmata Maieteh Kargbo shared her experience, saying photography has provided her with income opportunities and valuable social connections. She said she often invests part of her teaching income in photography equipment and credited SLUPP members with supporting her professional growth and leadership development.
Kargbo also encouraged more women to pursue careers in photography.
World Photography Day is observed globally on August 19 to celebrate photography. This year’s celebration in Freetown was held under the theme “Food Sufficiency and Sustainability Through the Lens” and focused on improving standards, strengthening partnerships, expanding funding opportunities and addressing equipment challenges in Sierra Leone’s photography sector.
“The camera is not just a tool; it is a voice. Through our pictures, we inform, we educate and we inspire,” organisers said.
