By Sulaiman Jalloh
Parliament has approved the new Director General of the country’s national broadcaster (Sierra Leone broadcasting Cooperation – SLBC), Madam Josephine Fatima Kamara, and urged for the transformation of the institution and improve the condition of service of its workers.
Hon. Mathew Saah Nyumah, the leader of government business and chairman of appointment committee, showered praises on the new DG, remarking that the committee on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 engaged and vetted the DG, saying it was observed by the committee that Mrs. Kamara is fit for the position appointed as she her educational background, working experience and declaration of asset were screened.
According to the leader of government business, the national broadcaster needs swift digital transformation and additional seasoned media technocrats to make it competitive in the sub region.
“Mr. Speaker, honorable members, the undermentioned candidate was interviewed and considered fit as Director General,” he noted, saying Madam Josepine Fatima Kamara had promised to change the face of SLBC into a modern-day broadcasting and news reporting. He therefore moved the motion for the approval of Mrs. Kamara.
Hon. Daniel Koroma of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party seconded the motion for the approval.
Hon. Koroma said: “When women are in authority, most people may not be happy”, as he called for transformation of the government’s mouthpiece – SLBC.
Hon. Tamba Johny congratulated the approved DG but advised that she should be mindful that she is coming into a different terrain. He called on the DG to re-introduce most of the national languages in the country as it was used to be, noting the structure of the SLBC needs to be refurbished. He recounted that SLBC is one of the oldest national broadcasters in the sub region established in 1935 but cannot compete with private media houses in the country despite the enough staffs the entity has. The lawmaker reminded the DG about the regional offices which he said need attention.
Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, the longest serving female member of parliament, thanked President Bio for keeping his campaign promises to empower women, saying what men can do, women can do it better.
The committee chairman of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Unpha Sorie Koroma said in the civic engagement space, the right information most meet the right people at the right time. He advised that the newly approved DG must ensure to improve the television channels to compete with private channels, while assuring the new DG of his committee’s support.
On behalf of Parliament, Hon. Solomon Segepoh Thomas, the deputy speaker who acted as speaker, congratulated the new SLBC boss, urging her to serve diligently.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, March 11th, 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
