The Executive of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has presented a plaque of appreciation to the Hon. Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, for his support of the association and his work in stabilising the economy for sustainable growth.

This gesture was extended to him during a courtesy visit by the former president, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, the current president, Alhaji Manika Kamara, and his executive at his George Street office, in Freetown on Tuesday, 17th March 2026.

Introducing the current president and his executive, the former SLAJ president, Nasralla, thanked the Minister of Finance for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with them. Noting that over the years, SLAJ has enjoyed good working relations with the Ministry of Finance to ensure that the President’s annual subvention is delivered.

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He further stated that the reason for the courtesy visit is to introduce the current president and team so that they are accorded the support he enjoyed as president of SLAJ.

The current president of SLAJ, Alhaji Manika Kamara, in his statement, highlighted the significance of the subvention in the running of SLAJ, its regional executives, and affiliate bodies like Women in the Media, Sierra Leone Reporters Union, Guild of Editors, and others.

Kamara announced plans for the 2026 SLAJ AGM and Awards in Makeni, proposing that the Ministry sponsor the Best Economic Report Award to encourage quality economic journalism.

The Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, thanked the executive members for their visit and the plaque, emphasising that journalists play a vital role in state development by addressing critical economic issues.

Minister Bangura took the opportunity to explain the progress the government has made in stabilising the key macro-economic indicators like inflation, interest rate, domestic revenue mobilisation, debt, and expenditure control.

He also stated that they are monitoring the situation in the Middle East with keen interest and are putting modalities in place to ensure that, whatever the outcome, the interest is to protect the people of Sierra Leone from the impact.

He assured the SLAJ Executive of continued engagement and partnership in information sharing, training, and other opportunities.