Republic of Liberia
Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA)
Office Of the Acting Chairman
Keynote Address
Delivered by Hon. Abdullah L. Kamara, the Acting Chairman of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority
On the Occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2025
Theme: Sustaining Independent Journalism and Press Freedom in the Digital Age
May 3, 2025
Monrovia City Hall
Distinguished Guests,
Esteemed Members of the Fourth Estate,
Colleagues in Government and Civil Society,
Development Partners, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Good morning.
I am honored to address you on this year’s World Press Freedom Day. While the global theme—“Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media”— challenges us to examine how technology is reshaping journalism, our national emphasis on “Sustaining Independent Journalism and Press Freedom in the Digital Age” brings our collective attention to the realities we face here in Liberia. Hence i will balance my speech intermittently.
Today’s media landscape is dynamic and fast-evolving. New platforms and tools allow stories to travel faster and farther than ever. Artificial Intelligence is changing how news is produced and consumed. But amid this transformation, we must ask: Can the press remain independent? Can it remain credible? Can it continue to serve as a bulwark of democracy?
As Acting Chairman of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, I affirm that we see press freedom as a critical national interest —one that aligns with our role in regulating and expanding digital infrastructure for the benefit of all Liberians. We regulate access to the airwaves, something the press lives on. This includes the internet, radio and television broadcast spectrum.
Independent journalism remains essential to our national development. It gives voice to the voiceless, it checks power, and it holds up the mirror to society. But independence must go hand-in-hand with responsibility. And so, I encourage all members of the press: Be accurate. Be balanced. Be correct in your reportage.
In an era where misinformation spreads with alarming speed, the journalist’s integrity is our first and best line of defense. Your commitment to truth, even when difficult, is the foundation of public trust.
Let me be clear on this point: For His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., positive criticism of his government is not only welcome, it is essential. A free and responsible press plays a vital role in holding government, his and any other, to account. Constructive criticism fosters accountability, drives policy reform, and strengthens our democracy. A government that listens to the press is a government that serves its people better.
At the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, we believe that sustaining journalism and press freedom in the digital age requires deliberate and sustained effort. I propose three key areas of focus:
The efforts must include topics such as Closing the digital decide, strengthening legal frameworks, Building digital and ethical capacity, and more.
- Closing the Digital Divide
Access to affordable, reliable internet is not a luxury—it is a necessity for journalists, citizens, and institutions alike. We are committed to expanding broadband services nationwide and ensuring that no region, no community media outlet, and no citizen is left behind in the digital revolution.
- Strengthening Legal and Institutional Safeguards
Press freedom cannot thrive without protection. Our ICT regulatory frameworks must continue to support freedom of expression, shield journalists from harassment, and provide access to information. At the LTA, we advocate for laws that reflect democratic values in a digital era.
- Building Digital and Ethical Capacity
Digital literacy, cybersecurity, AI ethics, and investigative skills are now core competencies for the modern journalist. We encourage partnerships across sectors to support training and capacity building, especially for community media and young reporters. Likewise, the public must be equipped to navigate and evaluate digital content critically.
The future of journalism does not lie in resisting technology—it lies in mastering it, ethically and responsibly. The media must embrace innovation while upholding its sacred commitment to truth. And we, as regulators, partners, and citizens, must do our part to create an environment where that mission can be fulfilled.
Let me close by saluting all journalists across Liberia—those in Monrovia and in our counties, those in print and on air, those online and on foot. Your work matters. Your courage inspires. Your role is indispensable to Liberia’s democratic journey.
I wish to inform you that the LTA will partner with the PUL to strengthen your capacities. We have series of capacity building initiatives for this purpose. AI is already here, we will ensure that we set the online guidelines to ensure we timely intervene with respect to Fake news and AI. 
As we commemorate World Press Freedom Day, let us stand together for a press that is not only free, but fair, factual, and fearless.
Because, even I, have been a victim of bias press and fake news so I am particularly interested i a professional press. I therefore sincerely hope and pray that you will continue to uphold the ethical values of your profession. You must differentiate yourselves from click bait and like and Share journalists. Weed out the ransom journalists, and be critical on election period journalists, and finally draw a line between journalism and advocacy. Thank you, and may God bless Liberia.
