-Head of State Reaffirms Commitment to Press Freedom
MONROVIA – As President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s government hurtles towards its third year, he is seemingly making waves in the media, leaving many wondering what’s next. First, he briefed the nation on the state-owned Liberian Broadcasting System (LBS), sharing his vision and achievements as he took questions from a team of media panelists. Hardly had the dust settled when he sat down with reporters and editors covering the Executive Mansion, sparking speculation about his State of the Nation Address (SONA) scheduled for January 2025. As THE ANALYST reports, the president’s media engagements have been marked by a focus on key issues like infrastructure development, economic growth, and national reconciliation.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to press freedom and transparent governance following a high-level engagement with members of the Executive Mansion Press Corps (EMPC), a group of independent journalists assigned to the Presidency.
The meeting, held at the President’s Rehab Office, brought together more than thirty journalists who cover the Presidency, alongside staff of the Presidential Press Secretary’s Office and senior officials of the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs.
The interaction marked a significant step toward strengthening communication and cooperation between the Presidency and the media.
President Boakai underscored the indispensable role of the media in a democratic society, stressing that independent, responsible, and professional journalism remains central to transparency, accountability, and public trust.
He encouraged journalists covering the Executive Mansion to uphold the highest standards of fairness, accuracy, and integrity while engaging constructively with government institutions to ensure the public is accurately informed about national policies and priorities.
The President also listened to concerns raised by the Press Corps, particularly on access to information, coordination with Executive Mansion offices, and working conditions.
EMPC Chairman, Mr. Godfred Badu Quansah, presented the collective concerns of the Press Corps and highlighted opportunities such as scholarships, travel opportunities, and regular engagements to build capacity among members.
He further appealed to the President for assistance in addressing health challenges faced by two EMPC members.
In response, President Boakai assured the journalists of his Administration’s support for an open, respectful, and mutually beneficial working relationship with the media, noting that constructive engagement with journalists is essential to democratic consolidation.
As the Press Corps prepares for its annual retreat, EMPC Vice Chairman Anthony Q. Jiffan, Jr. requested the President’s assistance to ensure the success of the gathering.
He commended President Boakai for what he described as a bold and unprecedented step to sit with journalists who report on his daily activities, calling the meeting the beginning of a new era for reporters assigned to the Executive Mansion.
Members of the Press Corps welcomed the engagement and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to interact directly with the President. They reiterated their commitment to professional, balanced, and factual reporting on the activities of the Presidency.
The engagement forms part of President Boakai’s broader efforts to promote open dialogue, strengthen democratic institutions, and advance transparent governance in Liberia, while reaffirming renewed cooperation between the Liberian Presidency and the media, particularly the Executive Mansion Press Corps.