Sierra Leone photographers seek government support amid rising equipment costs

The Sierra Leone Union of Professional Photographers (SLUPP) and the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) recently held a joint event in Freetown to celebrate World Photography Day and conduct the Union’s Annual General Meeting.

During the proceedings, industry representatives called for increased government support and targeted funding to address the rising costs of professional cameras and modern equipment. SLUPP Regional Adviser Charles Williams noted that high costs make it difficult for practitioners to remain competitive, despite their essential role in providing services for passports, examinations, and official documentation.

Representing MoICE, Assistant Director of Government Information Services Kai Mansa Musa emphasized the inseparable link between photography and information dissemination. He encouraged stronger partnerships between the Ministry and the Union to help document national history and support the professional development of photographers across the country.