By Raymond Dingana
The Cameroon Association of English Speaking Journalists (CAMASEJ) Bamenda Chapter has welcomed a new leader with the election of Sah Terence Animbom as president. Sah Terence Animbom’s victory was met with enthusiasm and camaraderie among the members, as 40 votes were cast in favor of Animbom, while the incumbent, Muma Jude Awa, received 29 votes. The election, held on January 25, 2025, was overseen by a dedicated Elections Commission led by veteran journalist Choves Loh, with members Fung John, Emmanuel Woloko, and Juliette Afunui. Out of 71 eligible voters, all but two participated in the election.
Animbom’s compelling manifesto resonated with the electorate, emphasising his commitment to transparency, innovation, and equal opportunities. He outlined a strategic plan aimed at mobilising resources to realise his vision for the association.
“We are poised to commence with a capacity building workshop focused on leadership for all executive members. This initiative will help align our goals, establish a leadership code of conduct, and reinforce our shared values,” Animbom stated.
He also announced a partnership with Minnesota Women’s Press, a women-led newsroom in the United States, which will provide a platform for female journalists in Bamenda to gain international exposure and enhance their journalistic skills.
Looking ahead, Animbom plans to launch three thematic reporting awards with a total value exceeding FCFA 1.2 million, initiate a paid per article news project, and revamp professional exchange visits. He also emphasized the necessity of a strict financial management system and the importance of fostering international opportunities for all members.
Animbom also expressed a commitment to improving social cohesion within the association. “We aim to re-engage senior and founding members of CAMASEJ to establish a code of conduct that will guide our Chapter. Our goal is to dismantle existing cliques that undermine the unity of our members,” he asserted.
Reflecting on his victory, Animbom expressed gratitude to the electorate for their trust. “It is a profound honour to lead CAMASEJ Bamenda for the next four years. This is not just about me; it’s about the collective effort of all members. We are committed to accountability and openness, welcoming critiques and suggestions to strengthen our association.”
The new executive team, which will manage CAMASEJ Bamenda for the next four years, is made up of:
President: Sah Terence Animbom,
Vice President: Clenice Ayombom,
Secretary General: Dingana Raymond,
Assistant Secretary General: Mboh Promise,
Treasurer: Philo Happi,
Financial Secretary: Paul Kema Fru,
Vice Financial Secretary: Liboh Etienne Nfor,
Public Relations Officer: Seraphen Loh, and
Social Secretary: Lendzemo Lakelle.
With high hopes for revitalisation and inclusivity, this new leadership team is poised to elevate CAMASEJ Bamenda and foster a sense of belonging among its members.
Who Is Sah Terence Animbom?
Sah Terence Animbom is a multiple award winning and seasoned investigative free-lance international journalist. He has had a remarkable career with local media in Cameroon. The former Spectrum Television reporter and present North West bureau chief of The SUN Newspaper is also the Country Director of Médias et Démocratie, an Afro-European organisation of journalists working in 12 African countries, France, Italy, Germany and the UK.
He is an accredited solutions journalism trainer and a recent recipient of a Mention Spéciale de Prix de Droits de l’Homme de la République Française.
He has a wealth of International experience and brings to the team his training in Transparency and Accountability, Democracy and good governance from the US Department of State sponsored Community Solutions Program. He is married and a father of two.