President Joseph Boakai has praised the Liberian media community for its role in nurturing democracy and promoting national development.
Speaking at the first Annual Presidential Media Dinner on Thursday, April 10, 2025, held at the Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, President Boakai commended journalists and media institutions for their continued commitment to informing the public and strengthening democratic governance in the country.
According to him, he has seen the registration of more media outlets than ever before, creating additional platforms for storytelling, accountability, and the influence of public opinion. Adding, it is not coincidental; it stems from a political climate that honors the freedom to speak, publish, and critique.
He added that Liberia has a valued historic role as a champion of liberty and a beacon of freedom on the continent and around the world. He Emphasized that freedom, especially the freedom of the press, is not a gift that sustains itself. It must be defended, expanded, cherished, and institutionalized.
President Boakai declared that under his leadership, Liberia would not harbor political prisoners nor suppress the press, underscoring that criticism is not a threat to democracy but its very essence. Stating, this inaugural Presidential Media Dinner of his administration is more than a courtesy; it is a gesture of appreciation, of partnership, and of the tremendous responsibilities that they share.
He also stressed that he is proud to highlight that Liberia is setting an example across Africa in championing press freedom. “We are steadfast in our support of the Table Mountain Declaration, which serves not merely as a written commitment, but as a living pledge to defend journalists’ rights and guarantee the free exchange of information in our community,” he said.
“We have also taken meaningful steps. With backing from our partners and stakeholders, my administration is advancing the work of the Commission on Information, a vital new body dedicated to promoting transparency and public access to information. Adding, this commission will act as a conduit between the government and the citizens, facilitating the free flow of facts and building public trust,” he narrated.
President Boakai noted that they are continuously enhancing the enforcement of the Freedom of Information Act, ensuring that public entities share knowledge rather than withhold it from the citizens they serve. Access to information is not just a privilege; it is a fundamental right, and this administration is committed to upholding that right.
He however recommitted his administration to upholding the Abdullah K. Abdullah Act, a law that stands as a monument to press freedom and the memory of one of Liberia’s most courageous media pioneers. This act not only protects journalists from arbitrary arrest and intimidation but also enshrines media freedom as a cornerstone of our democracy. Adding, they will not shy away from the media questions; instead, they will listen. They will not stifle dissenting voices; they will engage with them.
“There is still work to do to improve professionalism, to combat misinformation, and to ensure journalists are safe and supported in every county of this country. Let us continue to build a society where facts and respect for our traditional values matter. Let us together build a society where the media thrives, and where government and press, while distinct, move in the same direction for the good of the Liberian people, we also extol your resilience, vigilance, and commitment to truth. Yours is not an easy calling. It demands courage, sacrifice, and, above all, integrity,” he said.
Making remarks at the dinner, the president of the Press Union of Liberia, Julius Kanubah, highlighted several challenges facing Liberia’s media landscape, including declining advertising revenues, government debts to media institutions, and the impact of donor withdrawal particularly USAID on media capacity and training.
He raised concerns over political interference in community radio stations, calling on the Boakai’s administration to shield local broadcasters from undue pressure by county officials.
He stressed that if there is anything President Boakai government must not compromise, it is the issue of the rule of law. Adding, respect for and adherence to the rule of law is essentially critical to keeping the peace and enhancing the development of our country. “Let’s respect the rule of law and let’s use the rule of law to fight corruption,” he mentioned.
He however urged the transformation of the state-run Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) into a genuine public service broadcaster.
Kanubah also hailed President Boakai for engaging directly with the media community and encouraged continued collaboration between the government and press in fostering democracy and freedom of expression. Calling on the government of Liberia to think, Love and build the media.
For his part, the Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT), Jerolinmik Piah, lauded President Boakai for hosting the Media Dinner, calling on journalists to see it as an advantage to discuss key issues affecting the media with the President.
He stated that President Boakai’s government has started creating open space for all citizens to express their views and opinions on national issues.
He mentioned that Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) is currently in a transition to becoming a public broad-caster, making reference to the recent appearance from the opposition party on ELBC being so critical of the sitting government. Adding, it will continue to happen under the Boakai’s administration.
Boakai Recognizes Media’s Support To Democracy
