Freetown, 28th September, 2026 – The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting universal access to accurate, timely and credible information, describing access to information as fundamental to democracy, accountability and meaningful public participation.
SLAJ made this statement as Sierra Leone joins the global community today, 28th September, to commemorate the International Day for Universal Access to Information, under the theme: “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The Role of Access to Information in Addressing Information Disorder.”
According to the press statement signed by SLAJ Secretary General, Edward Farah Marrah, the Association stated that the rapid expansion of digital platforms has created new opportunities for citizens to access and share information, but has also intensified the challenges posed by misinformation, disinformation and malinformation.
SLAJ President, Alhaji Manika Kamara, said access to reliable information from public institutions is critical to addressing these challenges. “When accurate information is accessible, false information has less room to thrive. Transparency is one of our strongest defences against information disorder,” said President Manika.
The SLAJ President stressed that journalists have a responsibility to verify information, uphold professional and ethical standards and provide the public with accurate and contextualised reporting.
However, he noted that journalists cannot effectively fulfil this responsibility without timely access to credible information and responsive public institutions.
“Information integrity begins with access. When governments communicate openly and institutions provide timely information, citizens are better equipped to distinguish facts from falsehoods,” he said.
SLAJ therefore calls on public institutions to strengthen compliance with access-to-information obligations, proactively disclose information of public interest and promote a culture of openness and transparency.
The Association also urged journalists and media organisations to continue upholding professional standards in the gathering, verification and dissemination of information. It further called on technology platforms and citizens to exercise responsibility in the production, sharing and consumption of information, particularly in the rapidly changing digital environment.
SLAJ maintains that addressing information disorder requires a collective response involving government institutions, the media, technology platforms and citizens.
“The fight against information disorder is not the responsibility of journalists alone. It requires government, the media, technology platforms and citizens to collectively defend the public’s right to know and the integrity of information,” Alhaji Manika Kamara said.
