President Joseph Nyuma Boakai alongside Julius Kanubah, president of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), reaffirmed their commitment to media development as a cornerstone of democracy during the inaugural Presidential Media Dinner on April 10, 2025, at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Monrovia.
President Boakai said a thriving press is essential for democracy and urged the media community to continue its important work.
“You play a sacred role in our democracy,” he stated, commending their dedication to truth and transparency. He reiterated Liberia’s commitment to press freedoms, celebrating the country’s progress as a beacon for media rights throughout Africa.
Boakai cited the establishment of the Commission on Information, aimed at promoting public access and encouraging transparency between the government and citizens.
He also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to reinforce the Freedom of Information Act and protect journalistic rights under the Kamara Abdullah Kamara Act, which safeguards journalists from harassment.
“The richness of our media landscape reflects our progress,” Boakai said, noting the registration of over 40 new media outlets under his administration. He called for joint efforts to combat misinformation and support the safety and welfare of journalists across the nation.
Julius Kanubah, President of the PUL, expressed gratitude for the interaction with the President and called for more engagements between the media and government.
He candidly addressed the challenges faced by the media sector, mentioning significant declines in advertising revenue and the increasing interference faced by community radio stations, which he urged the administration to protect.
Kanubah articulated a vision for enhancing journalism’s integrity and highlighted the urgency for the government to adopt measures ensuring the rule of law.
“If there is anything your government must not compromise, it is the rule of law,” he said, urging cooperation to fight corruption and strengthen media rights.
The event marked a significant step towards fostering a partnership between the government and media, assuring that both institutions remain committed to championing free speech.
Minister of Information, Jerolinmek Matthew Piah announced that the Presidential Media Dinner would become an annual event, signaling the government’s dedication to maintaining open channels of communication with Liberia’s vibrant media community.
Both the President and media leaders left attendees with a hopeful vision for a collaborative future aimed at strengthening democracy through an empowered press, underscoring the belief that a free media is integral to sustainable governance and national development.
