By: Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter D.S
In a decisive move to tackle misinformation and fake news, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernoh Bah, has officially unveiled the revamped Sierra Leone News Agency (SLENA) website. The launch event marked a significant milestone for the ministry, emphasizing the government’s commitment to providing citizens with accurate, credible, and timely information.
“This is a significant milestone for us as a ministry,” Minister Bah stated during the launch. “With this new website, we are not only fighting against the spread of fake news but also ensuring that the people of Sierra Leone receive factual updates directly from official sources.”
The newly designed SLENA website serves as a comprehensive hub for government updates and news about Sierra Leone. Enhanced with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features, the platform aims to improve accessibility and usability. Notably, it includes multilingual support, allowing international users to learn more about the country’s developments.
During the launch, Minister Bah outlined several key features of the revamped website, including government and country updates that provide up-to-date news on government activities and national developments. This initiative ensures transparency and public awareness. The website also incorporates a fact-checking tool that verifies the accuracy of information, helping to maintain credibility. Additionally, a dedicated section for job seekers offers information on employment opportunities across various sectors.
“This platform is a step forward in creating an informed and engaged citizenry,” Bah added. “We want everyone to interact with SLENA, engage with the information provided, and trust it as a reliable source for news.”
The launch represents a significant effort by the government to establish a digital presence aimed at bridging the gap between citizens and official information sources. Minister Bah urged the public to utilize the platform to stay informed and to help counter the spread of misinformation.
With the SLENA website now live, citizens can access credible news, job openings, and verified updates, fostering transparency and trust in information dissemination across Sierra Leone.