By Sulaiman Jalloh

In a significant effort to promote transparency, accountability, and institutional cooperation, the speaker of parliament, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, on 7 July 2025 has launched new initiatives aimed at strengthening Parliament’s relationship with the Sierra Leone parliamentary press gallery.

The engagement, held at the speaker’s conference room, brought together key parliamentary officials and members of the press to discuss strategies for improved communication and collaboration between the legislature and the media.

In his remarks, speaker Thomas acknowledged the vital role of the press in a functioning democracy and reaffirmed parliament’s commitment to openness and responsible reporting.

As members of the press gallery, you are part of parliament, he said, your job is to inform the public about what is happening whether good or bad but do so respectfully, criticism is fine, but insults are not the way forward.

The Speaker’s statement was met with appreciation from Feima Sesay, Acting president of the parliamentary press gallery, who highlighted several challenges facing the press corps, including the lack of office space, insufficient outreach funding, limited training opportunities, and unclear accreditation procedures.

Our members, especially the new ones, need training to better understand parliamentary procedures, she said. Sesay also announced plans for the Gallery’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in November and appealed for support in resolving the case of journalist Melvin Tejan Mansaray, who is currently banned from accessing Parliament.

In response, Speaker Thomas encouraged continued engagement and stressed the need for integrity and independence among journalists.

Do not allow yourselves to be used, the most important thing you can do is to keep your head high and stand your ground, he advised.

The speaker reaffirmed his commitment to a free and responsible press, adding that a healthy relationship between journalists and lawmakers is essential for strengthening democracy and keeping citizens informed about national policies and legislative processes.

The meeting is widely seen as a positive step in building trust and mutual respect between Parliament and the media, with both sides recognizing the need for greater cooperation in the interest of national development.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednsday,9th July, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)