President Boakai Hosts Inaugural Presidential Media Dinner, Pledges Stronger Partnership with the Press

Monrovia, Liberia – April 10, 2025:
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. on Thursday evening hosted the first-ever Presidential Media Dinner of his administration, reaffirming his government’s unwavering commitment to press freedom, transparency, and democratic governance.
The landmark event, held at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Monrovia, brought together a broad cross-section of the Liberian media, government officials, and prominent civil society voices for an evening of dialogue, recognition, and renewed partnership.

In a heartfelt address to the gathering, President Boakai praised the media for its resilience and vital role in safeguarding democracy, while assuring that his government will remain a firm defender of free expression.

“This inaugural Presidential Media Dinner of my Administration is more than a courtesy—it is a gesture of appreciation, of partnership, and of the tremendous responsibilities that we share,” President Boakai declared.

He emphasized that under his leadership, no journalist will be censored, unlawfully detained, or silenced, stating, “Criticism is not a threat to democracy; it is its essence.” He highlighted Liberia’s endorsement of the Table Mountain Declaration, the implementation of the Abdullah K. Abdullah Act, and the establishment of the Commission on Information as key achievements aimed at protecting journalists and ensuring government accountability.

President Boakai further committed to the continued enforcement of the Freedom of Information Act, describing access to information as “not just a privilege; it is a fundamental right.” He also noted a significant rise in the registration of new media outlets—over 40 since taking office—citing it as evidence of a vibrant and expanding media landscape.

The event was officially opened by Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, who traced the dinner’s historical roots back to President William V. S. Tubman and framed the evening as a milestone in restoring meaningful engagement between the government and the media.

“This dinner is not only a gesture of appreciation but a chance to socialize and engage informally with the media whose work is central to our democratic values,” Piah said.

He reaffirmed the government’s respect for press freedom, stating that no media institution will be shut down for its editorial stance, and stressed the importance of ethical journalism. Using a vivid metaphor, he likened the media-government relationship to a beloved but spicy Liberian dish—Torborgee—suggesting that, like the dish, this relationship must be handled responsibly to avoid dangerous consequences. He cited Rwanda as a cautionary tale where unchecked media incitement led to tragedy.

Piah also acknowledged the nine-member Planning Committee that organized the event, announcing that the Presidential Media Dinner will now become an annual tradition aimed at strengthening government-media relations.

Representing the media landscape, Press Union of Liberia (PUL) President Daniel Nyakonah Kanubah used the platform to challenge the government on its legal and institutional obligations.

“If there is anything your government must not compromise, it is the issue of the rule of law,” Kanubah stated, urging President Boakai to uphold legal standards and fight corruption through lawful means.

Kanubah highlighted challenges affecting the media sector, including declining advertising revenues, unpaid government debts to media institutions, political interference in community radio, and the withdrawal of donor support notably from USAID—which has affected media capacity building and training.

He called for the transformation of the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) into a true public service broadcaster, free from political control, and stressed the need to protect local radio stations from pressure by county officials.

Despite the challenges, Kanubah welcomed the President’s engagement and praised the dinner as a step in the right direction.

“It is time: We think the media. Love the media. And build the media,” he concluded, borrowing and adapting a phrase from President Boakai.

The evening concluded with informal interactions between the President, journalists, and government officials, signaling a renewed spirit of dialogue and mutual respect in Liberia’s democratic journey.

Credit: Spoon TV