Summary: Melvin Tejan Mansaray’s accomplishments as a reporter in Sierra Leone’s Parliament are proof of his untiring obligation toward social justice and impartiality. Known for his bold stance against parliamentary manipulations, Mansaray has become a powerful voice for change in a country where fighting corruption, accountability, and transparency often put one in harm’s way. Currently, his fundamental rights—including freedom of speech, the right to practice his profession, and the right to hold an opinion (guaranteed by Section 25(1) of Act No. 6 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone)—have been grossly violated.

Profile: Melvin Tejan Mansaray is a Parliament reporter, commentator, and analyst in Sierra Leone with an unrelenting commitment to social justice. Renowned for talking “truth to power” and taking spirited positions on issues of corruption, transparency, and accountability in the nation’s legislative branch, Mansaray has become a powerful voice for parliamentary accountability in Sierra Leone. As a result, at times he has been attacked, robbed, and expelled from the Sierra Leone Parliament press gallery.

Mansaray started his career covering Sierra Leone’s Parliament over 15 years ago. As a reporter, he has witnessed legislative proceedings that exposed the brutal reality of parliamentary manipulation. This has ignited his passion for a well-balanced and unbiased reportage of parliamentary information, regardless of whoever is involved—whether the opposition or the ruling government of the day. Determined to make a difference, Mansaray has made himself a trusted analyst, political commentator, and reporter in Sierra Leone on a wide range of media, including Facebook Live interviews and appearances on the country’s leading radio stations. His goal is to provide just, unbiased, and factual accounts of parliamentary proceedings and outcomes in Sierra Leone. His powerful analyses and compelling accounts provide understanding, helping Sierra Leoneans grasp a sense of what their lawmakers do on their behalf.

In 2024, following Mansaray’s criticism on Radio Democracy 98.1FM of the increase of the Freetown’s Toll Gate token on the Masiaka-Freetown Highway, the current Minister of Works in Sierra Leone, Dennis Sandy, took offence. At a hearing summoning him by Parliament to provide answers for the increase, Sandy’s frustration was so stark that he suggested kicking Mansaray out of the hearing, something the committee denied.

On January 20, 2025, a two-thirds majority of members of Parliament removed Auditor-General Lara Taylor-Pearce and her deputy, Tamba Momoh from office, signaling a controversial development in the country’s governance. A few days later, Mansaray was whisked out of the Parliament and barred from reentry by orders of its current Speaker, Sengepoh Thomas. Mansaray’s alleged offense? “Malicious criticism” of parliamentary decisions, an incident that only reinforced his resolve.

Following Mansaray’s ejection, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) issued a press statement describing the ban as “a troubling development” for press freedom and democratic accountability. Some have argued that while responsible journalism is fundamental and the Speaker has the obligation to keep order within Parliament, ousting a journalist without prior notice or adherence to established procedures goes against the best interests of democracy and press freedom.

Mansaray’s passion for good leadership and accountability in the Sierra Leone Parliament has been pivotal in the recent fight against the tax increases that would burden already struggling Sierra Leone citizens. Media consciousness has become useful to help citizens demand change and a fair process in Parliament. Even though Mansaray’s dissent may not seem to affect Sierra Leone’s lawmakers, the pressure from citizens has pushed the government to withdraw contentious bills. Recently, the Safe Mother Bill proposed by the government faced serious backlash from the public and religious leaders, and it was withdrawn.

Melvin Mansaray has been constantly under threat and continues to face traumatic circumstances coupled with his struggle for livelihood. And despite coming under attack from politicians, parliamentarians, and media critics, he provides hope to citizens of Sierra Leone. When Parliament makes major decisions and enacts laws, citizens and media houses reach out to Mansaray for unbiased information. He is always available to help people understand the difficult events happening in Parliament, especially unfair procedures and outcomes.