By Joseph S. Conteh
Freetown, May 20th, 2025, at the YMCA Hall: Mustapha Sesay, a prominent figure in the Sierra Leonean media landscape, officially launched his campaign and manifesto for the upcoming SLAJ (Sierra Leone Association of Journalists) presidential election scheduled for June 7th, 2025.
The event was attended by a diverse audience, including senior journalists, students from Fourah Bay College, and other distinguished dignitaries. The opening remarks were delivered by Sao Kekus Kamara, a former SLAJ Secretary-General, who expressed his confidence in Sesay’s ability to lead the association, stating, “Mustapha Sesay is the fittest candidate, and there is nothing to lose by voting for him. Journalism is not just about academic qualifications but about what you can do practically.”
Outlining his comprehensive vision for SLAJ, Mustapha Sesay highlighted his key priorities, including infrastructure development, decentralization of the association, strengthening membership regulations, establishing a scholarship scheme, and promoting institutional branding to foster unity among his colleagues. He also emphasized his commitment to guiding and protecting journalists, as well as safeguarding press freedom.
“This campaign is a call for unity, and under my leadership, this is the dawn of a new era,” Sesay declared. “I intend to strengthen the welfare of the Reporters Union and implement capacity-building initiatives.”
The event was marked by a strong show of support from the journalists in attendance, who expressed their enthusiasm for Sesay’s candidacy and pledged their votes.
