By Politico Staff Writer
The Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) last week convened a workshop that brought together key figures from Sierra Leone’s media landscape, to Review the Draft National Media and Information Policy.
The workshop was held at the Dohas Hotel in Bo on the 7th of September, 2023.
In his presentation, the National Coordinator of MRCG, Dr. Francis Sowa, emphasized that the document presented is a compilation of discussions on key issues that could inform future policy decisions.
He said the government has its own established process for policy development, noting that the current document being shared by the ministry likely incorporates input from various stakeholders.
“It's important to note that this is a complex process with several steps, which the facilitators will elaborate on later. Our primary goal today is to acknowledge the existence of this draft document’’, he said
He pointed out that before engaging the minister and his team, they must ensure they do not present an outdated document and was of the opinion that updating and contextualizing these documents will provide a solid foundation for their discussions.
Chairman of the Independent Media Commission (IMC) and Chairman of the MRCG board, Dr. Victor Massaquoi noted the critical role of a well-defined information policy in reducing confusion and enhancing coordination. He acknowledged the rich content of the policy document, anticipating improved information flow and quality in Sierra Leone.
Estina Taylor, President of Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), stressed the policy's relevance in the digital age, particularly in addressing issues of misinformation, disinformation, and cyber security. She highlighted the importance of gender equality in information dissemination, emphasizing the policy's potential to combat gender bias and harassment while fostering an environment conducive to women's professional growth.
Acting Director of Information at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MICE) Emmanuel AB Turay, emphasized the significance of the National Information Policy. He highlighted the necessity of having a comprehensive national policy to ensure the effective implementation and operation of information resources, services, and systems.
"This policy aims to provide timely access to relevant information for citizens across the country, enhance coordination within the national information system, and align with existing legislation," he said.
He also stressed the importance of a dedicated session to assess the current state of affairs and align with international standards to improve the national policy further. He added that the primary objectives of this policy include supporting national development initiatives, enhancing the quality of life for the citizens by facilitating systematic and secure communication through information strategies and revitalizing investments in information and communication infrastructure.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah underscored the pressing need for reform in Sierra Leone's information ecosystem.
He expressed dismay at the existing dysfunction, describing it as so poorly organized that it seemed deliberately designed for chaos. He emphasized the absence of cohesion in messaging and the need for adherence to international standards.
He said that government institutions with outdated or non-functional websites face credibility issues when applying for grants from international organizations.
“If they have a website that looks reasonably good, they will say that is an institution with some credibility. That is a foundational step, but we have government ministries in Sierra Leone that do not even think about updating their websites,” he stated.
He emphasized that proactive information dissemination, rather than defensive measures, is key to countering fake news and negative propaganda.
The Minister revealed that at the request of President Julius Maada Bio, they were conducting an assessment of Sierra Leone's information architecture, aiming to map information flows and improve government-citizen interaction.
"We want to see and map out where we are now in terms of information flow and use that map to propose how it ought to be for government to function well," he said.
He stressed the importance of civic engagement and feedback mechanisms, stating that citizens' voices must be heard. He stated that to achieve the aforementioned goals, the development of comprehensive policies, such as the National Media and Information Policy, is essential. He commended MRCG for its efforts and called on all stakeholders to collaborate in achieving the outlined objectives.
The workshop concluded with sessions facilitated by Dr. Isaac Massaquoi and Umaru Fofana, followed by group work where members collaborated to generate ideas for the development of the information policy.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (13/09/23)
