The Media and corruption Media play a pivotal role in curbing corruption and enhancing good governance and democracy. Sec {11) of the 1991 constitution gives the media the powers to hold public officials accountable to the people. This means that journalists or media practitioners should always unearth malpractices and also to ensure that those who wield powers explain how they use the power vested in them. In line with that, our media are playing a great role in unearthing corruption. Many corruption cases that are being prosecuted in court are prosecuted as a result of many media reports. The anti-corruption commission relies heavily on the media to expose the irregularities within government circles or within cross section of society. I believe a lot of journalists play a crucial role in enhancing transparency in the country. From what is happening in the country, the media in Sierra Leone is getting a lot of attention from key stakeholders within either government circle or the anti-corruption. Currently, there are lots of NRA and Bank workers are being detained for corruption allegations, all as a result of some media reports. Honestly, despite the negative views of a cross section of the public, the media is playing effective role in enhancing good governance in the country. It is true that we have some inexperience or need I say Reckless journalists but they are playing their constitutional role in developing the country. No matter what skeptics say, the media is fulfilling its constitutional responsibility. That notwithstanding, a lot of our reporters need professional training so that they will be able to carry out their work effectively. Recently, some ill motivated government officials attempted to threaten the journalists with the 1965 public order Act.(don’t ask who). But the person failed to know that nobody is capable of silencing the press not even military regimes. I have never seen any person who had succeeded in silencing the media not even Yaya Jamie of the Gambia. I rest my case.
Posted on: Sat, 29 Jun 2013 23:35:30 +0000
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