Journalism is one of the most influential careers in Sierra Leone. Over the years, we have witnessed the emergence of different Journalists in Sierra Leone ranging from broadcast, radio, and print news journalists. There are arguably more than hundreds of journalists in the country. In this list, we will only focus on the top 10 who are exclusively creating the difference from the broadcasting and print media.
We’ve compiled this list of 10 top Sierra Leonean journalists you should follow in 2022/23 we recommend that you check them out. Here are 10 great Sierra Leonean journalists you should follow:
Umaru Fofana has been a journalist for over 20 years and has reported from Asia, the United States and several countries in Africa. He is based in his native Sierra Leone where he works as a freelance journalist mainly for the BBC and Reuters. He co-owns the FreeMedia Group, which operates a newspaper called Politico (www.politicosl.com) and has set up a radio station. He covered the recent West Africa Ebola outbreak for which he won a Peabody with NPR (U.S.). He has won several other awards including being named by his country’s media regulatory body as the Most Outstanding Male Journalist. He was twice elected president of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, which he had previously served as secretary-general. His coverage of the recent mudslide that left over 1,000 killed was praised at home and abroad. He studied at Fourah Bay College, the first institution of higher learning in sub-Saharan Africa, where he was elected president of the students’ union and serves as its current alumni president.
He is a broadcast journalist with over 25 years experience in radio production and presentation.
Skilled trainer and coach – run Courses in Sierra Leone, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania.
Produced and presented flagship BBC radio programmes including Focus on Africa, Network Africa. The Sunday Programme on Radio 3 amongst others.
He has developed programmes for women, good governance and accountability, and public health emergency- Ebola and Cholera in West Africa.
He has served as skilled moderator including elections debates in Sierra Leone, and donors conference at the UN.
Thomas Dixon is a fearless journalist that challenges the existing state of affairs by writing articles on corruption, abuse of power, and neglect of the poor by the powers-that-be. He is also a radio and TV analyst who mounts campaigns for a free press with strong advocacy for access to information. His fearless media efforts have drawn fire by both members of the public and government officials. His house has been raided and he’s been physically attacked. Still, he continues to fight against corruption and misuse of power and for a free press in all areas of the country. Upon all the intimidation, threats and attacks, Thomas Dixon has proven to be strong to fight for what is right.
Asmaa James is a Sierra Leonean media personality, advocate and a philanthropist. With over 20 years of experience in broadcast journalism and management, she creates opportunities for diverse voices to discuss current affairs and a wide range of human rights and social justice issues. Her mindful but objective approach has resulted in historic contributions to strengthening democratic governance in Sierra Leone and the continent. Asmaa currently serves as the station manager at Radio Democracy 98.1 FM.
Vickie Remoe is a young African Journalist entrepreneur, activist, author and blogger who is currently making a name for herself in West Africa. Remoe grew up in Freetown, Sierra Leone. She left in 1997 to study in the United States, earning a Bachelor’s degree in political science from Haverford College in Pennsylvania. In 2007 she returned to Sierra Leone and started a media production company called How4do, developing communications strategies for different government and corporate interests. In 2011 she went back to the United States and earned a master’s degree from Colombia University Graduate School of Journalism. After graduating in 2012 she returned to Africa to put her communication and business skills to use.
Amin Kef Sesay is a Sierra Leonean Investigative Journalist with print and electronic media experience focusing on Human interest stories, politics, Commentary and social change. Amin is the Publisher and Managing Editor of The Calabash Newspaper. Amin has over 10 years of experience and has worked for the Future and Times newspapers. Amin Kef has received several recognition and awards for his incredible work including SLAJ Member, Best Social Media Guru 2018, 2019 Press Officer and Media Reporting in China, Top 100 Professionals in Sierra Leone in 2021, Investigative Journalism Certificate, Leadership Certificate, Certificate of Achievement among many.
Ahmed Sahid Nasralla (popularly known by his pen name De Monk) is an award winning journalist and cartoonist who has worked in the Sierra Leone print media for nearly 15 years. He is best known for his satirical column, Teacher Lemp Lemp, which combines his creative writing skills and artistic talent. When he is not writing or drawing for laughs, he’s busy developing outreach materials for NGOs on diverse awareness campaigns.
De Monk holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors in First Class in Mass Communications from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone and he is currently the president of Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ).
Ishmael Sallieu Koroma is a multi – award winning journalist based in Sierra Leone. He started his career in journalism in 2011 and has worked for both print and broadcast media
He is the winner for the 2020 Merck Foundation Stay at “Home Media Award” bagging first position for the Print Category in West Africa with an award value of $500.
Ishmael was among ten journalist that won the 2017 United States of America (USA) Embassy in Freetown Media fellowship Grant of $350 for the submission of a story idea titled ”The Rise of Social Media and its effect on Freedom of Expression in Sierra Leone.
During the 2018 elections , Ishmael was a frequent interview host for the Senegal based West African Democracy Radio updating their global audience on Sierra Leone’s election , the unfolding events during and after the process of the most crucial election in the former British West African nation.
Murtala Mohamed Kamara is a journalist, entrepreneur, rights activist, and humanitarian. He founded Salone Jamboree in 2009, the first Sierra Leone-owned online newspaper showcasing Sierra Leonean arts, entertainment, and tourism. Despite death threats and funding issues, Kamara leads efforts toward social cohesion, alleviation of poverty, the reporting of corruption, and the rehabilitation of women in prison.
Amadu Lamrana Bah is a journalist based in Freetown, Sierra Leone. He a career multimedia journalist with nine years of experience working with Star Radio and TV and now working as Deputy Head of News and Current Affairs at the Africa Young Voices Media Empire. He is a journalist with interest in politics,governance,economic,human rights, business and developments stories. He is presently serving as President of the Sierra Leone Reporters Union, advocating for better conditions of service for reporters.
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