In a surprising turn of events, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MOICE) has publicly distanced itself from the recently launched Salone Association of Bloggers (SAB), declaring that it does not recognize the group as a legitimate national entity. This announcement, made by Emmanuel AB Turay, the Director of Information at MOICE, has sparked a heated debate about regulatory compliance and the legitimacy of media-related organizations in Sierra Leone.
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Speaking exclusively to Awoko Newspaper, Turay emphasized that the ministry, as the country's supervisory body for media matters, was not consulted or involved in forming the association. He revealed that Joseph Sannoh, the leader of the group and a well-known Senior Citizen, had approached the ministry but failed to follow through with the necessary steps to gain official recognition.
“Sannoh did approach the Minister and the Ministry, but I doubt if he heeded the advice we gave him,” Turay stated. “Even NGOs must go through their line ministry and obtain clearance before operating. You cannot form an association like this without the express knowledge and certification of the Ministry of Information, which oversees media matters.”
The Name Game: Why “Salone” Raises Eyebrows
One of the key issues raised by Turay is the use of the term “Salone” in the association’s name. According to him, this gives the impression that the group is a nationally recognized body, which he argues is misleading.
“When you use the word ‘Sierra Leone,’ it should reflect a national body. Take, for example, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ). They have a constitution, and regional executives, and regularly hold elections. Any organization claiming national status must meet similar standards,” Turay explained.
He suggested that a more appropriate name, such as “Progressive Bloggers Association,” could have been considered to avoid misrepresentation. Additionally, Turay raised concerns about the association’s governance structure, questioning whether it has a constitution that reflects national inclusivity.
Questions of Legitimacy and Governance
The Director of Information also pointed out that several bloggers have already distanced themselves from the initiative, further casting doubt on its credibility. “We have seen other bloggers disassociating themselves from the initiative, which raises further questions about its legitimacy,” he noted.
Turay reiterated that all organizations operating in Sierra Leone, especially those dealing with media and civic education, must be officially recognized by the government. This ensures that their activities align with the broader national agenda.
“For example, NGOs dealing with civic education must be officially recognized so that their work supports national objectives rather than operating in isolation,” he explained.
What’s Next for the Salone Association of Bloggers?
The statement from MOICE has left the future of the Salone Association of Bloggers hanging in the balance. Will the group seek official recognition from the ministry? Or will it rebrand and restructure to meet the standards set by the government?
For now, the controversy surrounding SAB serves as a reminder of the importance of regulatory compliance and transparency in the media landscape. As the story unfolds, Fadda247News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on this intriguing saga.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you think the Salone Association of Bloggers should rebrand and seek official recognition? Share your opinions in the comments section below!
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