By Nasratu Kargbo
Journalists at the parliamentary press gallery for the first time cheered, chanted and clapped alongside well- wishers as members of parliament heaped praises on renowned journalist and Proprietress of Rise Radio Asmaa James who was appointed by President Julius Maada Bio as Deputy Ambassador to Belgium.
James was approved on the 8th August 2024, following praises from both sides of the aisle. Chief Whip of the Opposition Abdul Karim Kamara said “You are going to one of the places that Sierra Leone greatly depends on for development support. I hope you will use your journalistic skills to market Sierra Leone”.
Kamara also asked the other ambassadorial nominees to do similar marketing, saying the country has all the resources and man power.
“Now that we have a very fine Sierra Leonean going to the EU, I’m sure we are going to market our country now. Go and make us proud” Kamara said.
President of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Female Parliamentary Association (ECOFEPA) Veronica Kadie Sesay expressed appreciation to President Bio for appointing women in sober positions in a bid to improve the country. Sesay stated that she had been listening to James over the years and has enjoyed her presentation. She added that due to her critical stance and questioning on issues of national interest, many have associated the journalist to being a member of the two major parties.
Sesay asked James to work with her boss and ensure that they attend to Sierra Leoneans.
The Leader of Government Business Mathew S. Nyuma said he has followed James and seen how she had grown from being a subordinate to head at Radio Democracy and now owning her own radio.
He called on members of the society not to degrade and demean journalists, thinking they are not educated.
Nyuma stressed that aspiration and determination has led to James’ growth and the immense impact she has had in the lives of many through her job.
Asmaa James was amongst nine nominees that were approved. Fatmata Sawanneh and Lusane Kallon were appointed as deputy ambassadors to Guinea and Liberia respectively, whilst Ibrahim Turay is ambassador of Sierra Leone in the Republic of Senegal.
Kabinneh M. Kallon, Edward L. Willams and Ing Andrew Keilli were approved as Chairmen of National Revenue Authority (NRA), Civil Aviation, and Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) respectively. Catherine Turay is now the Commissioner, Southern Region for Tertiary Education Commision (TEC), and Rev. Thomas Barnette a member of the Board at Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC).
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