ECOWAS Envoy Pledges Support for PUL -Calls for Higher Standards, As Union Celebrates 61st Anniversary

MONROVIA – In a moving address at the Press Union of Liberia’s 61st anniversary celebration, Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah, Resident Representative of the ECOWAS Commission in Liberia, lauded the Union’s resilience and contributions to Liberia’s media landscape, while challenging journalists to strive for excellence and uphold the highest standards of professionalism. With a personal pledge of $1,000 to support the construction of the Union’s new headquarters, Ambassador Nkrumah underscored the importance of a free and responsible press in shaping the nation’s future. The Analyst reports.

The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) recently celebrated its 61st anniversary, with Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah, Resident Representative of the ECOWAS Commission in Liberia, serving as Guest Speaker.

During the occasion, Ambassador Nkrumah hailed the Union’s resilience, called for higher standards of professionalism, and personally pledged $1,000 toward the construction of the Union’s new headquarters.

Speaking at the anniversary program under the theme “Commemorating Our Past, Constructing Our Future”, Ambassador Nkrumah expressed deep humility in addressing members of Liberia’s media fraternity, noting that the press has been central to her own personal and professional journey.

“From an early age, the press shaped my thinking and strengthened my belief in the power of the pen over the power of any weapon,” she said. “Later in my years of advocacy, I saw firsthand how the media was the most potent weapon to influence policy, stall harmful decisions, and push for reforms.”

Ambassador Nkrumah announced a personal donation of $1,000 to support the construction of the Stanton Peabody Media House, underscoring her belief in the press as a driver of national transformation.

“This is not money lying around—it is a sacrifice. But I commit it solemnly because I believe in the power of the press to shape the destiny of nations,” she stated. “I hope that one day my children will look back and say, Mama made a worthy investment.”

While commending the Union for overcoming recent internal divisions, Ambassador Nkrumah also challenged the media to uphold ethical standards and improve the quality of reporting.

She lamented the prevalence of grammatical errors, partisan bias, and shallow reporting, urging journalists to pursue excellence, objectivity, and deeper analysis.

“Too often, I pick up the newspaper and find grammatical errors, poorly constructed sentences, or partisan narratives. Where is our penchant for excellence?” she asked. “Journalism is more than transcription. It is analysis, insight, and truth-telling. Challenge your interviewees, research deeply, ask the hard questions—that is the essence of journalism.”

Ambassador Nkrumah reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to press freedom, while emphasizing that journalists must also uphold ethical standards.

“Press freedom is as much the duty of the state as it is the responsibility of the press. When journalists become known for being swayed by ‘green bills,’ they reduce themselves to pocket-change value. Integrity must be your shield.”

She concluded by reminding the PUL that while the construction of a new headquarters is a laudable step, the Union’s true legacy lies in the values it upholds.

“The real foundation must be built on integrity, knowledge, and excellence. Buildings may stand, but values endure. Like Stanton Peabody, you must leave a legacy that stands the test of time.”