Sierra Leone: using radio to fight corruption

“No democracy can endure without considering the views of both the majority and the minority. A strong and vigorous media – especially independent radio broadcasting – will help ensure that no one is left without a voice at the decision-making table because of lack of resources.”  Andrew Kromah

Andrew Kromah is a private radio station manager in Sierra Leone who operates two stations, KISS-FM in Bo, and SKY-FM in Freetown.  His reporting on local police corruption in the series, Mr. Owl, resulted in increased pay for the police and the establishment of a community affairs department.  Andrew’s voter education programming, “Democracy Now,” resulted in higher voter turnout in his listening area than other parts of the country.  He received the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association Award for exceptional public service in 2004.

In 2001, Andrew visited several public radio stations in the United States and upon his return, he laid plans to create a national public radio service in Sierra Leone. In cooperation with the Search for Common Ground’s Talking Drum Studio in Freetown, Developing Radio Partners will conduct an assessment of community radio in Sierra Leone in fall 2005.  Working with station managers, stakeholders, and Andrew, DRP will develop an action plan for creating a network of local stations. [Link to “Independent Public Information Network: Sierra Leone” project page.]

During his visit to the United States, Andrew had a chance to site down with Fresh Air host, Terry Gross and this interview can be found at the following address:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1125593

Fresh Air from WHYY, July 9, 2001 · Andrew Kromah lives and works in Sierra Leone. The country has been rated the most dangerous country in the world for journalists. For eight years now Kromah has run an independent radio station in Freetown and has reported on the rebels and government. Each week, as Mr. Owl he investigates local corruption. Twice his building has been burned down. During the 1996 election there, Kromah and his staff were forced to broadcast from the bush to escape injury.