By Mariama Benovia Davies
Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Bockarie Abdel Aziz Bawoh, has called for a sustainable and reliable financing framework for the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), describing adequate funding as essential to strengthening the Corporation’s ability to deliver credible information, public education and quality public-service broadcasting to citizens. He made the call on Thursday, October 8, 2026, while setting the stage for the National Conference on Sustainable Funding for the Public Broadcaster in Sierra Leone, organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education in collaboration with SLBC and hosted by the Ministry. The conference, held under the theme, “Ring-Fencing Funding for the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation,” brings together stakeholders to deliberate on sustainable financing options and the future positioning of Sierra Leone’s national broadcaster.
Deputy Minister Bawoh said the conference provides an important platform for stakeholders to examine the role of public broadcasting in Sierra Leone’s democratic development and to identify practical measures that can strengthen SLBC as a national institution. He noted that the conversation is not limited to the question of finance, but also concerns the ability of the Corporation to consistently provide credible news, public-interest information, civic education and content that contributes to national development. He stressed that a sustainable public broadcaster requires the necessary institutional and financial support to effectively fulfil its mandate and remain responsive to the information needs of citizens across the country.
He situated the conference within Sierra Leone’s broader efforts to consolidate peace, democratic governance and informed citizen participation, referencing the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He highlighted the President’s commitment to honouring the dictates of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s reports and recommendations, emphasizing the importance of drawing lessons from Sierra Leone’s past and strengthening the foundations for lasting peace and democratic development. According to him, the country’s experience has demonstrated the importance of addressing misinformation and civic ignorance by ensuring that citizens have access to reliable information and a proper understanding of governance. He explained that an informed citizenry is essential to meaningful participation in national affairs and that public broadcasting has an important role to play in creating greater awareness, strengthening civic understanding and connecting citizens with issues of national importance.
He further highlighted the mandate of the Ministry of Information and Civic Education in strengthening communication between government and citizens and promoting civic understanding. He explained that civic education enables citizens to better understand government institutions, national policies, their rights and responsibilities, as well as the avenues available for participation in governance. He noted that the Ministry remains committed to improving access to information and strengthening public communication, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that citizens receive accurate, accessible and relevant information that enables them to engage constructively in national development.
On the media landscape, the Deputy Minister highlighted ongoing reforms and initiatives aimed at strengthening journalism, press freedom and public-interest media in Sierra Leone. He noted that efforts have been made to address barriers that have affected journalists in the execution of their professional responsibilities, while emphasizing the need to continue creating an environment that promotes access to information and responsible journalism. He also referenced the International Forum for Public Interest Media as part of efforts to build the capacity of media houses and strengthen public-interest journalism, noting that a vibrant media sector remains important to informed public discourse and democratic development.
A central focus of his remarks was the need to reposition SLBC as a strong, credible and effective public broadcaster capable of operating with the necessary independence to fulfil its public service mandate. Deputy Minister Bawoh explained that the conference marks the beginning of a national conversation on how the Corporation can be better positioned and supported to serve the public interest. He stressed the importance of ensuring that SLBC is able to provide reliable news, educational programming and public-interest information without its core responsibilities being compromised by financial pressures. He acknowledged the realities facing media institutions that depend on commercial revenue, while emphasizing the distinctive responsibility of a national public broadcaster to prioritize the information needs of citizens.
He further emphasized the potential of a properly supported SLBC to contribute significantly to civic participation, public education and national development. He noted that the Corporation can serve as an important platform for providing citizens with knowledge and information while creating opportunities for broader public engagement on issues affecting the country. In this regard, he stressed that sustainable financing is critical to ensuring the Corporation’s operational stability and institutional capacity. A reliable financing mechanism, he explained, would provide a stronger foundation for SLBC to consistently deliver on its public service mandate while maintaining its focus on the wider interests of the Sierra Leonean people.
Concluding his remarks, he described the National Conference on Sustainable Funding for the Public Broadcaster in Sierra Leone as the beginning of an important national dialogue on the future of public broadcasting. He called for constructive and open engagement among stakeholders as they explore sustainable and reliable financing mechanisms capable of strengthening SLBC and enhancing its contribution to the country. He emphasized the need for stakeholders to approach the discussion with a shared commitment to finding practical solutions that can support the Corporation’s long-term sustainability, independence and public service responsibilities. The conference therefore represents a significant opportunity to chart a sustainable path for SLBC as a credible national broadcaster committed to providing quality information, strengthening civic participation and supporting Sierra Leone’s continued democratic and national development.
