Media Watchdogs Condemn Threats Against Journalist Amadu Lamrana Bah, Call for Urgent Police Investigation

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) have strongly condemned threats made against journalist Amadu Lamrana Bah, presenter of the Morning Devotion programme on Truth Radio and Co-Founder of Truth Media.

The threats, allegedly made and circulated on social media by Madam Admire Bio, have sparked nationwide concern over the safety of journalists and the state of press freedom in Sierra Leone.

In a statement issued on 14th October 2025, SLAJ described the threats and insults directed at Mr. Bah as “disrespectful, dangerous, and a direct attack on press freedom and freedom of expression,” which are rights guaranteed under the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone.

According to the Association, the video circulating on social media features Madam Admire Bio and another voice in the background making abusive and threatening remarks against Mr. Bah following his public commentary on the devastating effects of Kush, a highly addictive and destructive substance endangering the lives of Sierra Leonean youth.

SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara condemned the threats in the strongest terms, emphasizing that attacks on journalists undermine democracy and the people’s right to information.

“We are deeply disturbed by this report. Threats against journalists are unacceptable and must be treated with the utmost seriousness,” Kamara said.

“An attack on one journalist is an attack on every Sierra Leonean’s right to know.”

SLAJ urged the Sierra Leone Police to urgently investigate the incident and ensure that journalists can continue their work without fear, intimidation, or reprisal. The Association also appealed to citizens, public officials, and political actors to uphold civility, tolerance, and respect for the constitutional role of the media as watchdogs of society.

Meanwhile, the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) also issued a press release on the same day, echoing SLAJ’s concerns and condemning the threats as a grave violation of media freedom and journalist safety.

MRCG noted that the matter has been reported to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and called on the police to “swiftly investigate” the issue to safeguard journalists across the country.

The organisation further referenced the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, which highlights that journalists globally continue to face harassment, online intimidation campaigns, and even physical danger when investigating sensitive issues.

Dr. Francis Sowa, MRCG’s National Coordinator, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to ensuring journalists’ safety and strengthening mechanisms that protect media practitioners.

“Between 2022 and 2024, we engaged senior management of the SLP and other security agencies to promote journalist safety and even established a National Coordination Committee for the Safety of Journalists,” Dr. Sowa said.

“When such threats occur, they raise questions about our collective efforts to protect the rights and safety of media workers.”

Both SLAJ and MRCG have pledged to monitor the situation closely and stand in full solidarity with Amadu Lamrana Bah and all journalists dedicated to truth, accountability, and responsible journalism in Sierra Leone.