Speaker Segepoh Thomas Warns Sierra Leoneans Against Unpatriotic Behaviour on Social Media
Salamatu Y. Kamara The Speaker of Sierra Leone Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, Esq., has urged citizens, especially politicians, to refrain from portraying the country in a negative light on social media.
The speaker made this statement at the start of the Presidential Debate in Parliament on Monday, 13th October 2025. “Let us stop destroying our country’s image for political gain.”
Thomas urged citizens, particularly politicians, to refrain from casting Sierra Leone in a negative light, especially on social media, during discussions on President Julius Maada Bio’s parliamentary speech.
He emphasised that while crimes occur worldwide, including in developed nations like the USA, it’s unfair for Sierra Leoneans to focus solely on their country’s shortcomings, thereby perpetuating a negative image.
He stated that citizens need development, yet they often portray negative aspects of the country on social media. “We want investors, tourists, and development, yet we’re the ones pushing the worst image of our country.”
He recalled a personal experience in Ghana where authorities took strict action to prevent negative content from being posted online, all to protect their national image. He encouraged Sierra Leoneans to learn from such examples and be patriotic and responsible when using social media.
He concluded by stating that bad news travels fast, and every false or exaggerated story shared online hurts the nation’s reputation, investor confidence, and progress.