LocationsUNDP launches Journalist of the Year Award at SLAJ Annual General Meeting
September 30, 2024
Fredrick Ampiah, Resident Representative of UNDP Sierra Leone.
At the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) in Bo, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched the prestigious UNDP Journalist of the Year Award as part of the of the SLAJ Media Awards 2024/25.
This initiative aims to recognize and celebrate exceptional journalism that builds public trust and contributes to social development. During the launch of the SLAJ Media Awards 2024/25, UNDP Sierra Leone Resident Representative, Fredrick Ampiah, highlighted the awards' purpose of raising awareness on key issues such as sustainable development, poverty reduction, and human rights while encouraging quality journalism.
The SLAJ Media Awards 2024/2025 will honor excellence in 17 categories, including investigative journalism, gender reporting, agriculture, education, and political reporting. Mr. Ampiah emphasized that the “UNDP Outstanding Journalist of the Year Award” will recognize a journalist who demonstrates courage, integrity, and professionalism in reporting on issues of public interest that contribute significantly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mr. Ampiah noted UNDP values its partnership with the media, acknowledging its vital role in promoting democracy, transparency, and accountability. He said, “a free and independent media is essential for good governance, as it amplifies marginalized voices and holds leaders accountable, by providing accurate information, the media empowers citizens to make informed decisions and fosters civic engagement. Additionally, the media serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration, helping to address critical development challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change”.
In Sierra Leone, UNDP’s support to the media focuses on strengthening its role in promoting peace, countering misinformation, and fostering social progress. Key initiatives include the launch of the iVerify fact-checking platform in partnership with SLAJ, the Independent Radio Network, and BBC Media Action in 2023. The platform has fact-checked over 330 stories.
UNDP, in collaboration with BBC Media Action and SLAJ, is also set to train over 100 journalists in development journalism and fact-checking. This programme aims to equip journalists with the skills needed to report effectively on governance, economic growth, and social development, enabling them to produce impactful stories that drive meaningful change.
Dignitaries at the SLAJ AGM.From the left, Fredrick Ampiah, Resident Representative of UNDP Sierra Loeone , Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara,President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, Amir Musa Mewa , Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jammat and Justice A.M. Bagurah, Supreme Court Justice of Sierra Leone.
In Sierra Leone, UNDP’s support to the media focuses on strengthening its role in promoting peace, countering misinformation, and fostering social progress. Key initiatives include the launch of the iVerify fact-checking platform in partnership with SLAJ, the Independent Radio Network, and BBC Media Action in 2023. The platform has fact-checked over 330 stories.
UNDP, in collaboration with BBC Media Action and SLAJ, is also set to train over 100 journalists in development journalism and fact-checking. This programme aims to equip journalists with the skills needed to report effectively on governance, economic growth, and social development, enabling them to produce impactful stories that drive meaningful change.
Founded in 1971, SLAJ has long advocated for press freedom and the professional growth of its members. This year's AGM, themed “Charting the Way Forward: Towards an Inclusive and Stronger SLAJ,” provided an opportunity to reflect on the association’s accomplishments and address challenges in the media landscape.
President of SLAJ, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, stressed the need for capacity building, especially for young journalists, and called for a constitutional review to ensure transparent and accountable leadership within SLAJ.
“Training and professional development, particularly for young and emerging journalists, are key to ensuring the future of SLAJ is in capable hands,” said Nasralla. He added that as the media environment changes, SLAJ must evolve alongside it to remain relevant and effective in promoting media freedom, defending press rights, and fostering credible journalism.
Justice A.M. Bagurah, Supreme Court Justice of Sierra Leone, delivered the keynote address, urging for a new constitution that reflects inclusivity and protects journalists in the face of modern challenges such as digital transformation and economic pressures.
President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, Tuma Adama Gento-Kamara, emphasized the importance of press freedom and inclusivity. She called for the adoption of a new constitution to strengthen SLAJ’s governing structures, advocating for greater representation across all media sectors print, radio, television, and digital journalism.
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