President Boakai Rallies Media to Uphold Professionalism, Combat Misinformation, and Ensure Journalists’ Safety Across Liberia

MONROVIA, LIBERIA– April 10, 2025
President Joseph Boakai has issued a clarion call to the Liberian media community to recommit to higher standards of professionalism, intensify efforts in combating misinformation, and advocate for the protection and support of journalists across all counties of Liberia.

The President made the remarks on Thursday, April 10, 2025, during his Administration’s First Annual Presidential Media Dinner hosted at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town.

The occasion, which gathered media executives, journalists, and government officials, marked the first of its kind under the Boakai administration—underscoring his commitment to building a constructive relationship between the presidency and the press.

In a speech centered on press freedom, integrity, and transparency, President Boakai hailed the media as a cornerstone of Liberia’s democratic journey.

However, he emphasized that as the nation’s media landscape expands, it must be accompanied by a shared responsibility to elevate standards, tackle the growing threat of disinformation, and protect media workers from harm and harassment.

“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,” President Boakai stated.

The President stressed that misinformation undermines public trust and weakens democratic institutions. He called on media houses and practitioners to uphold ethical reporting, fact-checking, and accurate storytelling as essential tools to preserve Liberia’s democratic gains and inform public discourse.

“We must build a society where facts and respect for our traditional values matter,” Boakai added. “Criticism is not a threat to democracy; it is its essence.”

The dinner also highlighted President Boakai’s enduring pledge that Liberia will have no political prisoners and no press suppression under his leadership.

The Liberian leader lauded the proliferation of new media outlets since his administration took office, attributing the rise to an enabling political climate that respects freedom of speech and the right to critique.

While praising the media’s role in the country’s democratic evolution, the President acknowledged the challenges still ahead—particularly those facing journalists operating in remote and underserved areas. “We must ensure that journalists are not only protected but also empowered in every corner of our country—from Montserrado to Maryland, from Lofa to Grand Kru,” he said.

The night ended on a hopeful note, with the President expressing his desire for the dinner to mark the beginning of an ongoing, collaborative dialogue between the government and the media.

“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 concluded.

credit: SPOON TV