SLAJ and Sierra Leone Police Unite for Community Engagement Football Match

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) Eastern Region convened a planning meeting on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at its Secretariat, located at 9 Maada Bio Street, Kenema. The purpose of the meeting was to prepare for an upcoming friendly football match between SLAJ/Media and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP).

Chaired by Papson Sahr Jimmy Fofanah, Secretary General of SLAJ Eastern Region, the meeting brought together media professionals and SLP representatives to finalize arrangements for the anticipated event.

Philip Koroma, Chairman of SLAJ Eastern Region, stated that SLAJ East had received a formal invitation from the Sierra Leone Police, extended through the Office of the Local Unit Commander (LUC), for the friendly match. The game is scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. at the Kenema City Field.

The invitation indicated that the event is part of a wider sensitization campaign aimed at educating young people in the region about the dangers of Kush and other forms of drug abuse.

During the meeting, James Jamil Fortorma, a member of the SLAJ Integrity Committee and a seasoned media practitioner, underscored the importance of ongoing collaboration between journalists and law enforcement in addressing societal issues. He expressed concern about the current effectiveness of efforts against drug abuse, particularly the prevalence of Kush, citing the continued operation of drug cartels that hinder existing initiatives.

Other attendees echoed these concerns and pledged their strong support for the awareness campaign. In a display of solidarity, Mr. Sidie Yayah Fofanah (DJ Snow) contributed Le 2,000, Hard Tok Network donated 15 bundles, and Mustapha Sheriff offered Le 100 to support the initiative.

In response to the concerns raised, Sub-Inspector Brima James Musa assured the gathering that provisions had been made for refreshments for media personnel during the friendly match.

As a precursor to the event, a radio simulcast was scheduled for Friday, October 31, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:00 p.m., with a repeat broadcast on Saturday, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from both the media and the police to leverage the football friendly as a platform for community engagement and drug abuse sensitization.