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ADNews-Monrovia, Liberia: The President of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), Julius Kanubah, has urged President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to contribute meaningfully to the development of Liberia’s media sector and build on the legacies left by his predecessors
Kanubah said Liberia has made significant progress in media development over the years, citing the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act, the abolition of several anti-free-speech offenses through the Kamara Abdullai Kamara Act of Press Freedom, and the expansion of community radio across the country.
He made the remarks on September 12, 2026, during the Second Annual Presidential Media Dinner held in Monrovia.
The PUL president proposed the formulation and enactment of a Liberia Media Governance and Sustainability Act to establish a transparent national framework for supporting independent, ethical, and professional journalism in the country.
“Excellency, previous administrations left important media legacies, some, I should say, with controversies,” Kanubah told President Boakai.
He recalled that former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s administration enacted the Freedom of Information Act, endorsed the Declaration of Table Mountain, and contributed US$100,000 toward the proposed PUL headquarters.
He further disclosed that former President George Weah’s administration enacted the Kamara Abdullai Kamara Act and provided a headquarters for the Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FeJAL), an auxiliary member of the PUL.
“Excellency, the question is: What will be the media legacy of the Joseph Nyuma Boakai administration?” Kanubah asked.
Speaking at the program President Joseph Nyuma Boakai nreaffirms commitment to press freedom, access to information, and an independent, free, and professional media.
President Boakai assured the media and the Liberian people of his unwavering commitment to defending the principles of the Declaration of Table Mountain, which calls for the promotion and protection of press freedom.
At the same time, the Liberian leader urged journalists and media institutions to continue shouldering their responsibilities by upholding accuracy, fairness, professionalism, and the public interest.
“Let us, however, be careful in saying things that destroy our chances in the world,” President Boakai cautioned.
He said he maintains strong confidence in the ability of the Liberian media to tell the true Liberian story to the world.
“Do not see yourselves as merely reporting history. You are documenting it,” Boakai emphasized.
“You are weaving and illuminating the marching trail of a nation. You are helping to shape the national conversation, informing our citizens, preserving our experiences, and recording the story of a country that continues to rise. This responsibility must never be taken lightly,” the President added.
The exchange between the PUL leadership and the President comes amid renewed discussions about the future of Liberia’s media sector, including the need for stronger institutional support, professional journalism, press freedom, and sustainable financing for independent media institutions.
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