Freetown’s Deputy Mayor, Kweku Lisk Esq., has underscored the indispensable role of the media in promoting democratic values and societal progress. Speaking at the opening of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) Elective Congress on Friday, 13 June, Lisk delivered a goodwill message that acknowledged the media as a pillar of civic engagement and a watchdog for accountability.

In his address, the Deputy Mayor praised journalists for their consistent coverage of Freetown City Council activities, noting that their reporting enhances transparency, drives public awareness, and stimulates informed debate. He urged the media to continue carrying out their duties with independence, integrity, and courage.

Deputy Mayor Lisk reaffirmed the Council’s readiness to collaborate with SLAJ on pressing national and municipal matters, particularly the ongoing public discourse around the central government’s proposed administrative restructuring of Freetown. He called on the media to deepen citizen engagement by not only reporting on these developments but also offering thoughtful analysis and perspectives.