3 Mins Read
ADNews-Monrovia: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working alongside the media in prioritizing Liberia’s national interest above all else.
Speaking at his first Annual Presidential Media Dinner held Thursday evening, April 10, 2025 at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Monrovia, President Boakai emphasized that the event was not merely a formality but a meaningful gesture of appreciation, partnership, and acknowledgment of the shared responsibilities between the government and the media.
“This dinner is more than a courtesy,” President Boakai said. “It is a gesture of appreciation, of partnership, and of the tremendous responsibilities government shares with the media community.”
The President praised the Liberian media for their vital role in nurturing democracy and advancing the national cause, applauding their resilience, vigilance, and steadfast commitment to the truth.
Boakai highlighted Liberia’s proud legacy as a champion of liberty and a beacon of freedom across the African continent and the world. He stressed that freedom of the press is not a given but a right 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,” he declared. “We are steadfast in our support of the Table Mountain Declaration. This is not just a written commitment—it is a living pledge to defend journalists’ rights and to guarantee the free exchange of information in our society.”
The President also announced progress in promoting transparency and access to information, citing the establishment of the Commission on Information. Backed by partners and stakeholders, the new body is tasked with enhancing public access to government data and serving as a bridge between citizens and the state.
He further emphasized the ongoing efforts to strengthen enforcement of the Freedom of Information Act, asserting that information should be shared freely by public institutions rather than withheld.
“Access to information is not just a privilege; it is a fundamental right,” Boakai stated. “This administration is committed to upholding that right.”
In a reaffirmation of legal protections for journalists, Boakai pledged to uphold the Abdullah K. Abdullah Act, which safeguards press freedom and honors the legacy of one of Liberia’s media pioneers. The Act ensures journalists are protected from arbitrary arrest and intimidation and enshrines media freedom as a foundational pillar of Liberian democracy.
“Under my leadership,” Boakai declared, “Liberia will have no political prisoners and no press suppression. Criticism is not a threat to democracy—it is its essence. We will not shy away from your questions; instead, we will listen. We will not stifle dissenting voices; we will engage with them.”
He noted a marked increase in the number of registered media outlets since his administration took office, signaling a more open and supportive media environment.
“This growth is not coincidental,” he said. “It stems from a political climate that honors the freedom to speak, publish, and critique.”
Despite the progress, President Boakai acknowledged ongoing challenges, including the need to enhance professionalism, combat misinformation, and ensure the safety and support of journalists across all counties.
“But tonight,” he concluded, “let us also celebrate how far we’ve come. Let us continue to build a society where facts and respect for our 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.”
Comments are closed.