In a drive to build a more stronger democracy through press freedom and empowerment, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has reaffirmed his government’s commitment under his leadership that Liberia will have no political prisoners and no press suppression.
Under a determined and passionate focus of further strengthening the Country’s democracy and realizing the crucial role of members of the fourth estate, the Liberian leader promised to think, love and build the Liberian media
Speaking at a well attended media dinner first of its kind under the leadership of President Boakai, he stressed that criticism is not a threat to democracy , rather , its essence.
He at the same time assured the media that he will not shy away from questions; from media professionals instead, he will listen.
Moreover, he pointed out that he will remain engaged with the media and will not stifle dissenting voices, indicating further that the richness of Liberia’s media landscape reflects such progress.
“Since I took office, we have seen the registration of more media outlets than ever before, creating additional platforms for storytelling, accountability, and the influence of public opinion”, he informed the media community.
According to him, such growth is not coincidental but rather stems from a political climate that honors the freedom to speak, publish, and critique.
He was also quick to remain the media that the journey is far from over.
“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. But tonight, let us also celebrate how far we’ve come”, he re-emphasized.
The Liberian leader encouraged members of the fourth estate to continue to build a society where facts and respect for the 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 and may this dinner not be the end of a conversation but the beginning of a deeper, more constructive one between the presidency and the press, he added.
Acknowleding the key work of the Media to the society, President Boakai said he stand before members of the fourth estate not just as President of the country but as a fellow citizen who profoundly values the sacred role the media play in promoting the Country’s democracy.
According to him, the inaugural Presidential Media Dinner of his administration is more than a courtesy stating that it is also a gesture of appreciation, of partnership, and of the tremendous responsibilities that his administration share.
He commended the Liberian media community, for all that they have done to nurture the growth of Liberia’s democracy and the advancement of its cause.
Moreover, He also extol members of the media community for their resilience, vigilance, and commitment to truth.
“Yours is not an easy calling. It demands courage, sacrifice, and, above all, integrity”, he added.
Liberia he told the media gathering has a valued historic role as a champion of liberty and a beacon of freedom on the continent and around the world.
However, he was quick to point out that freedom, especially the freedom of the press, is not a gift that sustains itself but rather one that must be defended, expanded, cherished, and institutionalized.
“I am proud to highlight that Liberia is setting an example across Africa in championing press freedom and 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 noted.
According to him, his administration have also taken meaningful steps with backing from partners and stakeholders, in advancing the work of the Commission on Information, a vital new body dedicated to promoting transparency and public access to information.
He assured the public that such commission will act as a conduit between the government and the citizens, facilitating the free flow of facts and building public trust.
The Chief Executive at the same time reassured the media that his administration will continuously enhance 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 added.
In addition, the Liberian leader recommit 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.
He pointed out that the act does not only protects journalists from arbitrary arrest and intimidation but also enshrines media freedom as a cornerstone of our democracy.
At thw same time, Information Minister Jerolinmik Piah disclosed that the Liberia Broadcasting System is curent in a transition to becoming a Public broadcaster.
According to him, the commitment by the Liberian leader in making sure that such is realized is on course and they are working tirelessly to make it happen.
Ahead of such legislative process, he told the media that the government has already started creating the open space for all to express their views and opinions on national issues.
He made reference to the recent appearance of the Chair of the main opposition caucus, the Coalition for Democratic Change, Nathaniel McGill, this he said will even continue more under the Boakai’s administration.
As for the President of the President Union of Liberia, Julius Kanubah, he encouraged the government to do more to protect and empower the press.
He cited old age indebtedness to the media by the government as well as political interference and suppression of the media especially in rural Liberia by local officials and Superintendents as issues he appeal to the President to address.
