President Boakai Pledges End to Press Suppression, Reaffirms Commitment to Independent and Responsible Media

By Desmond Gbeleh Wion
Senior Reporter

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has reaffirmed his administration’s firm commitment to press freedom, pledging an end to all forms of media suppression in Liberia. He made the declaration during the Presidential Media Dinner held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town.

Addressing a gathering of journalists, editors, media executives, and partners from across the country, President Boakai described a free and vibrant press as a cornerstone of democracy and good governance. “There will be no more press suppression under my administration,” he said emphatically, signaling a shift from previous eras marked by allegations of media censorship and intimidation.

The President stressed the importance of ethical journalism in countering misinformation and disinformation, which he described as growing threats to national stability and development. He urged journalists to uphold the values of truth and integrity in their reporting.
“We need a press that informs, educates, and holds power accountable,” Boakai declared. “But we also need a press that is responsible and committed to the truth.”

The media community warmly received the President’s message, viewing it as a renewed opportunity for collaboration between the government and the press in advancing transparency and accountability. Many journalists expressed hope that this pledge would translate into tangible reforms and protections for media professionals.

Reaffirming his government’s support for the Kamara A. Kamara (KAK) Act of Press Freedom, President Boakai emphasized that the days of harassing, brutalizing, and unlawfully detaining journalists or sanctioning media outlets for their editorial stance are over. He clarified that the presidential media dinner was not an attempt to influence media independence but rather a platform for open dialogue and engagement between the presidency and the press.

“The freedom of the press is not a favor from government—it is a right that must be respected and protected,” the President added. “As journalists, you can criticize the government, but it must be objective criticism.”

He concluded with a passionate commitment to supporting the media sector, stating: “This administration will think the media, love the media, and build the media.”

PUL President Kanubah Highlights Press Challenges

Speaking on behalf of the media, Press Union of Liberia (PUL) President Julius Kanubah delivered a compelling speech outlining the challenges confronting journalists, especially in rural areas. He called for increased budgetary support to strengthen institutional reforms and improve the welfare of media practitioners.

Kanubah decried ongoing intimidation and interference by local officials, which he said undermines press freedom, particularly for underfunded community media outlets. “The rights and safety of journalists cannot be assured when officials continue to instill fear in them for simply doing their job,” he said.

He also advocated for transforming the Liberia Broadcasting System (ELBC) from a state-run media entity into a public broadcasting service that guarantees access and representation for all Liberians, regardless of status or political affiliation.

“Respect for journalists’ rights and the rule of law must be the foundation upon which press freedom is built,” Kanubah stressed. “To think the media, love the media, and build the media must become a reality.”

Information Minister Underscores Press Responsibility

Minister of Information Jerolinmek Piah urged journalists to uphold professionalism and ethics in their reporting. He noted that the annual media dinner, which dates back to the administration of President William V.S. Tubman in the 1960s, serves as a key forum for fostering government-media relations.

Highlighting recent strides in media development, Minister Piah announced that over 50 new media outlets have been granted operational permits within the past 16 months.

“A free and independent press is the bedrock of true democracy,” he stated. “But with freedom comes responsibility. Journalism must be truthful, balanced, and free of sensationalism or bias.”

He emphasized the need for innovation in journalism, encouraging investment in investigative reporting, the adoption of new technologies, and media literacy as vital tools in combating misinformation.

“A striving press evolves with the times,” Piah said. “Such a press empowers citizens, strengthens democratic institutions, and drives national development.”

Minister Piah concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting press freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists. “This is the promise we make today—and the very reason we’ve gathered,” he declared.

As Liberia continues its democratic journey, the commitment to an open and independent media landscape appears more vital than ever. The administration’s renewed assurances are seen by many as a meaningful step toward fostering a media environment rooted in truth, accountability, and public interest.