SLENA Managing Director Leads Mid-Year Performance Review, Unveils Measures to Strengthen News Production and Staff Welfare

SLENA Managing Director Leads Mid-Year Performance Review, Unveils Measures to Strengthen News Production and Staff Welfare

Freetown, July 20, 2026 (SLENA) – The Managing Director of the Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA), Madam Yeama Sarah Thompson, has reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening the Agency’s editorial excellence, institutional visibility and staff welfare during a mid-year performance review meeting with correspondents and staff assigned to various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

The strategic review brought together correspondents deployed across Government institutions to assess progress made during the first half of the year, identify operational challenges and agree on practical measures to improve news production, coordination and institutional performance.

Staff members presented reports on activities undertaken within their respective MDAs, highlighting achievements, field experiences, emerging opportunities and challenges encountered while carrying out their assignments. The discussions reflected the growing role of SLENA correspondents in strengthening Government communication and expanding the Agency’s national news coverage.

In her keynote address, Madam Yeama Sarah Thompson commended staff for their professionalism, resilience and dedication, noting that their commitment has significantly elevated the profile of the national news agency.

“I want to sincerely thank every member of staff for your hard work and commitment. Through your efforts, SLENA is becoming more visible, more relevant and increasingly recognised as the authoritative source of credible government and national news. The progress we have made is a reflection of your dedication.”

She said the review meeting was designed not only to evaluate performance but also to identify innovative ways of improving efficiency and positioning the Agency for sustained growth.

“This meeting is about learning from our experiences, strengthening teamwork and ensuring that we continue to improve the quality, speed and impact of our reporting. Every story we produce contributes to preserving our national record and informing citizens.”

To further improve editorial workflow and accelerate news production, the Managing Director announced new operational measures, including the deployment of additional staff to support the Editorial Production Team. She explained that the initiative will strengthen newsroom coordination, improve story turnaround time and enhance the quality of editorial output.

Madam Thompson also applauded the strong spirit of solidarity demonstrated by staff members, particularly the support they continue to provide one another during periods of illness and personal hardship.

Recognising the importance of institutional care, she announced the establishment of a Staff Welfare Fund, to be coordinated by Aminata Turay, through voluntary monthly staff contributions of Le50 to provide timely assistance to colleagues facing emergencies.

“An institution is only as strong as its people. Beyond our professional responsibilities, we must continue to look after one another. The Welfare Fund reflects our commitment to building a caring and supportive SLENA family.”

The meeting also adopted several strategic resolutions aimed at improving the Agency’s performance and sustainability. Correspondents were encouraged to prioritise SLENA content in their reporting, maintain the highest standards of professionalism and strengthen engagement with the Ministries, Departments and Agencies they cover.

The Managing Director further informed staff that promotion opportunities would continue to be pursued for officers who have acquired higher academic qualifications, consistent with the Agency’s commitment to recognising merit and professional development.

As part of efforts to diversify institutional revenue, staff members were encouraged to work with their assigned MDAs to mobilise advertisements for publication through SLENA.

Closing the meeting, Madam Yeama Sarah Thompson urged staff to remain focused on the Agency’s mandate of delivering timely, accurate and balanced news.

“SLENA has a proud history and an important national responsibility. Together, we will continue to modernise the Agency, uphold the highest professional standards and build an institution that every Sierra Leonean can be proud of. Our greatest strength is our unity, our professionalism and our shared commitment to public service.”

The meeting ended with a renewed sense of purpose and collective commitment to editorial excellence, teamwork, innovation and the continued transformation of Sierra Leone’s national news agency.