MONROVIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has delivered a powerful reaffirmation of his administration’s commitment to press freedom, vowing that under his leadership, Liberia will not harbor political prisoners nor suppress the media. Speaking at the first Annual Presidential Media Dinner held Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the EJS Ministerial Complex, President Boakai described media freedom as the cornerstone of democracy and promised full protection of journalists’ rights.
Addressing members of the Liberian press, civil society, and international partners, Boakai declared, “Criticism is not a threat to democracy; it is its essence. We will not shy away from your questions; instead, we will listen. We will not stifle dissenting voices; we will engage with them.” His remarks were met with applause from media practitioners who, for years, have operated under a cloud of political interference, threats, and inconsistent government engagement.
Boakai highlighted Liberia’s adherence to the Table Mountain Declaration, emphasizing that the country is setting a regional example for press freedom. He stressed that his administration’s support for the declaration is not merely symbolic but rooted in practical steps, including ongoing efforts to institutionalize access to public information and transparency through the newly established Commission on Information.
The President also pledged to rigorously enforce the Freedom of Information Act, asserting that access to information is not a favor to the people, but a right enshrined in law. He noted that government agencies must embrace openness, adding, “Public entities must share knowledge rather than withhold it from the citizens they serve.”
A poignant moment of the evening came as Boakai recommitted to the enforcement of the Abdullah K. Abdullah Act, which protects journalists from arbitrary arrest and affirms the media’s role as a democratic watchdog. “This law stands as a monument to press freedom and the legacy of one of Liberia’s most courageous media pioneers,” he said.
Since taking office, Boakai noted that more media outlets have been registered than in any previous administration, reflecting a surge in civic expression and storytelling. He credited this growth to a political environment where “freedom to speak, publish, and critique” is not only protected but encouraged.
Still, the President acknowledged the media’s own internal challenges. He called for increased professionalism, the fight against misinformation, and the protection of journalists in all corners of the country. “Our journey is far from over,” he said. “But tonight, let us also celebrate how far we’ve come.”
He concluded with a vision of continued partnership, calling the dinner not a ceremonial gesture but the beginning of “a deeper, more constructive” dialogue between the presidency and the press. “Let us build a society where facts matter, where our values endure, and where the media thrives not as an enemy of the state, but as a pillar of our democracy.”
