Partners of Progress To Government -VP Koung Says Via CSO about Newspaper Publishers

MONROVIA – The Boardroom of the Monrovia City Hall glittered with colorful adornment and moving speeches last Saturday as the country’s newspaper publishing firms, under the banner ‘Publishers Associaion of Liberia (PAL)’, inaugurated a set of new leaders in its fourth transition since its founding 1997. This time, it was Mr. Alphosus Toweh-led leadership taking the baton of power for the next three years—a regime taking over amid huge challenges facing the print industry occasioned by the saturation of the media landscape by swarms of alternative channels and government indifference to newspaper growth. Invited to speak to the ever-expectant quests of media people at the occasion was Vice President Jerermiah Koung, proxied by his Chief of Office Staff Prince Menkalo Gbieu, who recognized the PAL as ‘partners in progress to the govenrment of Liberia’. The Analyst reports.  

The office of Vice President Jeremiah Koung has described as partners in progress to the government, as it “looks forward to seeing the Liberian media grow much bigger than it is now”.

Speaking at occasion marking the induction of officers of the Publishers Assocation of Liberia (PAL) on Saturday, at the Monrovia City Hall, the Chief of Office Staff (COS) to the Liberian Vice President said, “We are confident that this dream will be realized under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s ARREST agenda for inclusive development”.

“We know the challenges you face today and we want to encourage you to not relent.we know that the media is powerful,” said Prince Menkalo Gbieu, adding, “In this light, the government is committed to working with you for the advancement and sustainability of this industry.”

He said the induction of elected PAL officer marked a significant milestone not only for individual organizations of publishers but also for the literary and cultural landscape of our beloved nation.

“Publishing is more than just a business,” he asserted. “It is a vital thread in the fabric of any society. It shapes narratives, fosters dialogue, and cultivates understanding. As we embark on this journey together, let us remember the power of the written word and its ability to illuminate truths, inspire change, and connect communities.”

He continued: “Today, we induct new members into the association who bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a shared commitment to nurturing the literary arts in Liberia. Together, we can advocate for the rights of authors, enhance the quality of publications, and ensure that  voices are heard both locally and internationally.”

He called on audience, moving forward, to embrace the challenges that lie ahead, because accordign to him, “the publishing landscape is evolving rapidly, with technology shifting how we produce and consume literature.”

It is your responsibility to adapt, to learn, and to thrive in this new environment, he continued, but advised that by collaborating and supporting one another, “you can elevate your industry and help other authors and readers to flourish”.

Prince Menkalo Gbieu extended greetings from his boss, Vice President of Liberia Jeremiah Kpan Koung, who he said would have loved to form part of this auspicious event marking the official induction of PAL’s officers but couldn’t as he was “extremely engaged with the President’s Ad Hoc committee setup to examine the factors drivin Prince Menkalo Gbieu g high prices for transportation, rice, other essential commodities, and building materials  and recommend short, medium, and long-term interventions to stabilize and protect consumers in Liberia”.

“On behalf of the vice president, I urge each of you to carry the torch of leadership, creativity, and dedication,” the VIP’s COS added. “Let us work hand in hand to uplift the publishing community in Liberia and contribute to a brighter future for all.”

Those inducted into office as PAL’s new leaders included Alphonso Tweh of the New Republic Newspaper,  President; Bai Sama G. Best, of the Daily Observer newspaper, Vice President; Winne  Saywah Jimmy of the Inquirer Newspaper, Sceretary General, and Chester Smith of the Independent Probe newspaper, Financial Sceetary.

During the occasion, former President and founding member of PAL, Publisher Sando Moore of the Images Magazine, gave the history of PAL.

In his presentation he recognized the efforts of Publisher Stanley Seakor of The Analyst who used his personal resources to sustain the association to the point that others thought that the association was his personal organization.

Special remarks were made by high profile attendees that included representatives from of the India Embassy, World Bank, CEMEP, Cuban Embassy, civil Society Representatives, while iconic Balawala Cultural Troope rendered traditional Liberian music and dances.