Parliament Warns Against Negative Posts About Sierra Leone Online

The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas Esq., has called on Sierra Leoneans to stop using social media to tarnish the country’s image for political purposes.

He made the remarks at the start of the Presidential Debate in Parliament on Monday, during discussions on President Julius Maada Bio’s speech at the State Opening of Parliament.

Speaker Thomas warned that while crime and other issues occur in every country, including the United States, Sierra Leone is often judged more harshly, sometimes even by its own citizens. He noted that some individuals, particularly politicians, use social media to present the country in a negative light, which can damage its reputation and hinder national development.

“People ask for investors, tourists, and development, yet they spread harmful content online that works against national progress,” he said.

The Speaker also shared a personal experience from a visit to Ghana, where authorities acted swiftly to prevent harmful content from spreading online, all in an effort to protect the country’s public image. He encouraged Sierra Leoneans to adopt a similar approach, be more patriotic, and exercise caution when posting on social media.

He further emphasized that false or exaggerated news spreads quickly, damaging the country’s reputation, affecting investor confidence, and slowing down development initiatives.

Speaker Thomas’ message comes at a time when online platforms have become central to political discussion, public opinion, and news sharing, making it crucial for citizens to use social media responsibly.