National Press Card Commission 'rejects' majority applications.

The session was chaired by President of the Commission who doubles as the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Equinoxe Television, Séverin Tchounkeu.

It brought together media professionals and stakeholders to assess and deliberate on fresh and renewal applications for the national press card, a key document that formally identifies professional journalists in Cameroon.

Speaking to the press shortly after in camera deliberations, Tabe Enowchong, a member of the Commission and Deputy Director of Production at the State broadcaster, CRTV, disclosed that the session examined 51 new applications. 

She said out of the applications, only six were fully approved, 28 were conditionally accepted pending the completion of required documentation, while seven outrightly rejected.

She added that the Commission also received 101 requests for the renewal of expired or expiring press cards. 

“You may want to know that since 2016, we’ve been able to attribute 1,200 press cards,” Enowchong revealed.

Yerima Kini Nsom, another member of the Commission who doubles as Publisher Delegate of The Post, stressed the importance of possessing a press card, particularly in an era marked by increased impersonation in the media landscape.

“You may be the best journalist, but you need to have an identity,” he emphasised. 

“The press card is that identification paper...a resolution taken during the 2012 National Communication Forum,” Kini Nsom revealed 

He lamented that no session took place in 2024 due to financial constraints and a low number of applications. 

However, with 2025 being an electoral year, Kini Nsom appealed to both journalists and public institutions to take the press card more seriously. 

“It is for the credibility of the journalist, and it ensures that those covering events are properly identified and protected,” he said.

Requirements for press card 

Speaking further, Kini Nsom outlined essential requirements for obtaining a press card in Cameroon. 

“These include a formal application addressed to the President of the Commission, a certificate of non-conviction, and proof of training in journalism through a recognised certificate,” he explained. 

He added that: “Applicants must also submit samples of their published work, a valid work contract with a recognised media outlet, proof of affiliation with the National Social Insurance Fund, CNPS, two passport-size photographs, a copy of their national ID card, a declaration from their employer, and a payment of 10,000 FCFA as the processing fee”.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3456 of Monday May 26, 2025