His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, today officially relaunched the Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA)

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Distribution Freetown,

Sierra Leone – Thursday, 11 December 2025

His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, today officially relaunched the Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA) at the National Civic Festival in Freetown. The relaunch marks a defining moment in the Government’s broader commitment to modernising national information systems, strengthening civic participation, and ensuring that Sierra Leone’s story is presented accurately, with dignity, and with global relevance.

The relaunch of SLENA has been driven by the strategic leadership and support of the Honourable Minister of Information and Civic Education, Mr. Chernor Bah, whose guidance has been central to restoring its position within the national communication architecture. His stewardship has helped build the foundation for a modern wire service capable of meeting the information needs of citizens, institutions, and international partners.

Since assuming office, Managing Director Lolo Yeama Sarah Thompson-Oguamah has rebooted the agency and overseen an ambitious transformation agenda that has significantly expanded SLENA’s institutional capacity. The agency has grown from only five staff members to a professional workforce of thirty, strengthening editorial, technical, administrative, and district-level operations. This renewed capacity has opened the pathway for broader coverage, more dynamic storytelling, and a stronger national presence.

Under her leadership, SLENA has also rebuilt critical international partnerships, establishing cooperation with the Federation of African Press Agencies (FAAPA), the Moroccan News Agency, and several news agencies across OIC member countries. These alliances have enabled content exchange, professional training opportunities, and increased visibility for Sierra Leone within the global media network.

A significant component of the reform has been digital transformation. SLENA now has a modern website that provides real-time access to national news and reflects the professionalism and mandate of a national wire service. In addition, the development of a new Strategic Plan has outlined a clear roadmap for institutional growth, innovation, and financial sustainability, while a draft SLENA Policy is under review to strengthen governance, reinforce operational standards, and align the agency with contemporary media development frameworks.

Managing Director Lolo Yeama Sarah Thompson-Oguamah described the moment as a turning point in the agency’s history, adding:

“Today’s relaunch represents a renewed national commitment to building a credible, modern, and globally connected news agency for Sierra Leone. SLENA is expanding its editorial capacity, strengthening its digital presence, and deepening international partnerships to ensure our nation’s stories are told accurately, professionally, and with a strong public-interest mandate. This new chapter positions SLENA to play a transformative role in our country’s democratic and development trajectory.”

With government support and a strengthened institutional framework, SLENA is poised for a new era of public-interest journalism, enhanced national coverage, stronger multimedia production, and deeper integration into regional and global media ecosystems. The relaunch represents not only a restoration of the agency’s historical mandate but also a bold step toward a modern, responsive, and future-oriented national news service.

For Further Information:

Sheku Saccoh Turay

Senior News Editor Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA)Freetown, Sierra Leone