‘Don’t Be Distracted By Media Rating’ -MICAT Warns Public Servants; Says Such Ratings Unofficial

MONROVIA – As the curtain falls on another year, Liberia’s media landscape is abuzz with annual assessments of the Unity Party government’s performance. Media outlets are releasing their rankings of key ministries, agencies, and commissions, sparking a flurry of reactions from government officials, many of whom are unhappy with their grades. In response, Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah has cautioned public officials against engaging with media over the rankings, stressing the need for professionalism and focus on governance responsibilities. Speaking at a press briefing, Minister Piah urged officials to rise above personal opinions and media commentary, emphasizing that progress speaks louder than words. Amidst the controversy, Minister Piah highlighted notable strides in electricity supply, water access, and road infrastructure, reinforcing the government’s commitment to tangible results. The Analyst’ George C Flomo reports.

 Liberia’s Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Hon. Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, has cautioned public officials against engaging in public exchanges over newspaper rankings and media-based award listings as media institutions begin publishing their annual “Best and Worst Performing Officials” reviews.

Speaking Tuesday at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, Minister Piah said such reports are based on personal opinions rather than official assessments and should not distract government officials from their responsibilities.

According to him, many of these publications do not provide facts or measurable criteria to support their ratings but instead express editorial views.

He noted that what becomes problematic is not the publication itself, but the reactions that come from government officials who take offense and publicly respond, sometimes even attacking fellow officials indirectly.

Piah emphasized that government officials must remain more disciplined and avoid fueling unnecessary public drama by responding emotionally to media commentary.

“You run your ministry. You know what your mandate is. So why should someone’s opinion cause you to respond in a way that empowers the same commentary you disagree with?” he said.

The MICAT boss noted that when an official reacts defensively, it sends the message that the publication succeeded in provoking a reaction.

“If someone writes something embarrassing and you respond harshly, you have already given that person importance,” Piah added.

During the briefing, Minister Piah shifted focus to ongoing national developments that he said demonstrate measurable progress under the current administration.

He highlighted improvements in electricity supply across the country, citing Brewerville and surrounding areas that have received uninterrupted power for the first time in more than 40 years.

He shared a personal account, explaining that his home community has moved from generator-dependent power to steady electricity capable of running refrigerators, air conditioners, and multiple household appliances without interruption.

He credited the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) for expanding the national grid into communities previously without power, including areas where residents had believed electricity would never return.

He also announced that the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) has begun connecting communities in the same region to pipe-borne water, with approximately 10,000 homes expected to benefit from the first phase of installation.

He said access to clean water and reliable electricity would greatly improve health, comfort, income opportunities, and living standards for residents who have lived for decades without these essential services.

Minister Piah further announced major road expansion and rehabilitation projects currently underway, including the four-lane upgrade of the Freeport–Clay corridor.

He noted that additional works will continue beyond Clay as part of the administration’s broader infrastructure development plan.

Responding to public concerns about Gbarpolu County being excluded from national road development, Piah clarified that the county is part of future plans.

He disclosed that a South African firm, WHBO, has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding and is conducting feasibility studies for the road leading from Tubmanburg to Gbarpolu. He assured citizens that no region is being left out of the nationwide road development program.

The Minister also provided updates on renovations at the Ministry of Information, saying work is ongoing and staff buses are expected to arrive on the compound soon to support employee transportation.

He concluded his briefing by urging public officials to remain focused on delivering services and implementing government programs rather than engaging in media-driven controversies.

“Progress is happening. Those benefiting from electricity, clean water, and better roads know it. You cannot fight progress,” he said.