Dark Days of Media Crackdown Behind Us -Minister Piah Assures Public at Presidential Media Night

MONROVIA – Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah has assured Liberian journalists and the public at large that “those dark days of Government crackdowns on the media are behind us,” evidenced, according to him, by “the impressive turnout here tonight…a testament to the Government’s willingness to engage constructively with allmedia—regardless of editorial perspective”.

Piah said Thursday, April 10 during the first presidential media engagement event held at the EJS Ministerial complex that since January 22, 2024 that the Boakai administration has taken firm steps to widen the space for a free, independent, and thriving press as a critical pillar of democratic governance.

In furtherance of this commitment, he noted, the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism lifted a three-year ban on the registration of new media institutions, and to date, more than 40 new media outlets have been registered and are now operating.

“This Government remains resolute in upholding the principles of free speech. No journalist will be censored,” the Information Minister said, adding: “No media institution will be arbitrarily shut down for its editorial stance. No journalist will be unlawfully detained.”

He continued: “That said, we must also confront certain hard truths. While freedom of the press is essential, it comes with serious responsibilities—especially in a fragile democracy still healing from the wounds of conflict.”

Piah observed that while many journalists perform their duties with excellence and professionalism, there are instances where standards are not upheld, and the consequences can be damaging to peace, security, and national cohesion.

He reminded journalists that while the Boikai Government would continue to uphold the principles of free speech and press freedom, the responsibility for ethical self-regulation rests squarely with them (journalists), and with the Press Union of Liberia.

As partners in nation-building, he added, Government and the media must strengthen dialogue, preserve mutual respect, and navigate disagreements with professionalism and purpose.

“This is the commitment of the Government. This is the spirit in which we gather tonight,” he emphasized.

He told the gathering of journalists and government officials that media dinner event was intended not only as a gesture of appreciation, but as an opportunity to socialize and engage informally with the Liberian media—whose work remains vital to the strengthening of our democratic values.

He acknowledged a free and responsible press as being central to the vision of the Boakai administration, “and events like this complement other forms of presidential engagement with the Fourth Estate”.

“This dinner is the product of weeks of detailed planning and collaboration between the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs and the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism—working closely with a Planning Committee composed of dedicated members of both the media and the Government,” Piah recalled.