Address: 33 MacDonald Street Contact: +23276660640/23276652954 email: slawij20@gmail.

com

SLAWIJ’s Comprehensive Response to Social Media Allegations

Freetown, Sierra Leone, 11th October 2023: The Sierra Leone Association of Women in
Journalism (SLAWIJ), under the leadership of Millicent Kargbo, would like to provide a
comprehensive response to the series of false and ill-motivated allegations that have recently
been spread on social media. We believe it is crucial to address each key issue in detail, in order
to provide accurate information and address the chaos that is being brought on our reputable
Association. We owe it to the public, our partners, and donors.

First and foremost, it is important to clarify the process through which Millicent Kargbo
assumed the role of leader within SLAWIJ. She was elected by the Founding Members of the
organization, who recognized her capabilities and entrusted her with the responsibility of
leading SLAWIJ and overseeing the organization through its formative stages. Since 2021,
Millicent has worked diligently to grow SLAWIJ, build a reputable brand, and raise much-
needed resources for the association.

Currently, SLAWIJ boasts a membership of over 100 women across Sierra Leone, representing a
diverse range of backgrounds and experiences in the field of journalism.

To formalize the organization's legal status, five directors, namely Millicent Kargbo, Aminata
Finda Massaquoi, Haja Mariama Sesay, Mariama Khai-Fornah, and Yeama Thompson, registered
SLAWIJ at the Corporate Affairs Commission of Sierra Leone (CAC). However, it has come to our
attention that Mariama Khai-Fornah and Yeama Thompson surreptitiously made changes to the
organization's name and Directors without due process and in what looks like a connivance
with staff at CAC. They also did not inform the other directors and even the general
membership, as a matter of respect and in the spirit of democracy. These changes were made
using the SLAWIJ Memorandum and Articles of Association. They even went ahead to try and
Address: 33 MacDonald Street Contact: +23276660640/23276652954 email: slawij20@gmail.com

change the name of the association. This shows no interest in SLAWIJ and only exposes their
bad intentions.

To avoid a reoccurrence of such we will be conducting a thorough review of SLAWIJ’s

organizational structure and processes. We will also conduct an internal audit to identify any
irregularities or discrepancies in the recent changes made to SLAWIJ’s name and Directors and
take necessary actions.

In an attempt to change signatories at the bank and gain access to the finances, Yeama
Thompson and her team wrote a letter to the bank, but unfortunately, the bank rejected the
resolution provided. The rejection was based on the fact that the current executive was not
indicated in the resolution, highlighting the importance of adhering to legal and procedural
requirements in such matters.

Regarding the issue of SLAWIJ's Board of Directors, it is important to note that the organization
never had an established Board. Yeama Thompson proposed that the Founding Members
assume the roles of Board members, but this proposal was intended to be discussed and
decided upon by the general membership during the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The idea
was to ensure the active participation and collective decision-making of all SLAWIJ members in
shaping the organization's leadership structure.

We would like to provide a comprehensive response addressing the serious allegations

regarding the alleged involvement of staff at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in
supporting illegal changes to SLAWIJ documentation.

We take these allegations very seriously. If it is indeed the case that staff at the CAC have
supported illegal changes to SLAWIJ documents, it represents a breach of trust and a violation
of established procedures. We are deeply concerned about the potential misconduct and its
implications for the integrity of SLAWIJ and even the reputation of the CAC.
Address: 33 MacDonald Street Contact: +23276660640/23276652954 email: slawij20@gmail.com

We have filed a formal complaint with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) requesting an
investigation into the conduct of the CAC staff implicated in the misrepresentation and current
chaos at SLAWIJ. We believe that a thorough investigation by an independent body is essential
to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable.

Lastly, we would like to emphasize that SLAWIJ has never held an AGM and has been in the
planning stages of organizing its first one. We acknowledge the concerns raised by our
members and the wider public regarding the delay in conducting the AGM and the governance
issues that have come to light. We want to assure everyone that SLAWIJ is firmly committed to
transparency, inclusivity, and good governance.

As this is one of the many frivolous allegations against the executive, it is important to add that
during a Founders Meeting held in February 2022, Yeama Thompson was elected as the
Chairperson of the AGM Planning Committee. An AGM has never been held. Recognizing the
urgency of the situation, Yeama Thompson apologized to the group and convened a planning
meeting to address the delay and set the necessary actions in motion.

We understand the importance of transparency and accountability in an organization like

SLAWIJ, which aims to empower women in journalism and promote their professional
development. We deeply regret any confusion or concerns that these recent events may have
caused among our members and the wider community. Rest assured, we are fully committed to
resolving these issues in a manner that upholds the integrity of SLAWIJ and rebuilds trust
among our stakeholders.

Moreover, we are aware that a status report, which was requested by the current executive to
CAC, was shared with Yeama and her team before the executive had a chance to obtain a copy.
This raises significant concerns about the confidentiality and proper handling of sensitive
documents. We are deeply disappointed by this breach of trust and are committed to
Address: 33 MacDonald Street Contact: +23276660640/23276652954 email: slawij20@gmail.com

implementing measures to ensure the protection and secure handling of all SLAWIJ documents
moving forward.

It is important to also shed light on the deliberate deception of the public by Yeama and team
that Millicent Kargbo initiated a court action against Yeama Thompson because of the
allegations made on accountability and transparency. Yeama Thompson’s legal retainers on
Tuesday 15th August 2023 served Millicent Kargbo a letter for defamation stating “unlawful
attack on the persons of Ms. Yeama Thompson and Mrs. Mariama Khai-Fornah” following the
SLAWIJ Press Release of 10th August 2023. This happened after both parties had attended
meetings with the Media-led mediation group and the current executive in full cooperation
with the mediation group. In the response on behalf of Millicent Kargbo by her legal team, Ms.
Thompson was instructed to retract and apologize because the said press statement only
highlighted the truth that Ms. Thompson and her team fraudulently made changes to the
organization’s documents and used that to attack the hard-earned reputation of Millicent
Kargbo. Yeama Thompson disregarded the lawyer's letter which led to the court summon. It is
worth noting that as of the 25th of September 2023, Yeama Thompson’s legal retainers have
entered an appearance for her in the High Court.

In the midst of these challenges, we want to emphasize that SLAWIJ remains intact and
committed to its mission of empowering and supporting women in journalism. We appreciate
the overwhelming support and loyalty of our members, who have shown resilience and
dedication during this difficult time. We want to assure our members and the public that the
official address of SLAWIJ remains at 33 Macdonald Street in Freetown.

Signed:

Millicent Kargbo – Executive President