MONROVIA – Liberia’s Foreign Minister, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, has raised significant concerns regarding the government’s communication strategy during the ongoing three-day Cabinet retreat at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, Monrovia. Nyanti emphasized the critical need for open and hierarchical information sharing, highlighting issues with the premature release of information on social media before official announcements are made.
Addressing her colleagues at the retreat, Nyanti underscored the importance of maintaining confidentiality in discussions within the government until they are officially sanctioned. She pointed out that the current practice of publicizing sensitive information prematurely on social media platforms undermines the government’s credibility and effectiveness.
“The way we handle our internal communications needs a complete overhaul,” Nyanti stated. “Sensitive discussions and decisions should remain confidential until they are ready for official release. The habit of debating these matters publicly before formal decisions are made is detrimental to our credibility.”
Nyanti’s remarks come at a crucial time when the executive branch is engaged in broader discussions aimed at enhancing governance and operational efficiency. Her critique points to a deeper issue within the administration: the need for a robust and coherent communication strategy that ensures information is disseminated in an organized and professional manner.
The Foreign Minister stressed that improving information management is essential for building public trust and maintaining the integrity of governmental operations. “Our approach to communication must reflect our commitment to transparency and accountability, but it must also be disciplined and strategic,” she added.
Her comments received mixed reactions from other cabinet members. Some agreed with Nyanti’s assessment, acknowledging that the premature release of information can lead to confusion and misinformation among the public. Others, however, felt that social media could be an effective tool for engaging with citizens and fostering a sense of transparency if used correctly.
Nyanti called for the establishment of clearer protocols regarding how and when information is shared with the public. She proposed that all major announcements and updates should first be communicated through official channels to ensure accuracy and coherence.
“We need a structured approach where information flows through the proper channels before reaching the public. This not only enhances our credibility but also ensures that the information being shared is accurate and reliable,” Nyanti argued.
The Foreign Minister’s concerns align with ongoing efforts to reform various aspects of governance within Liberia. Enhancing the communication strategy is seen as a vital step towards achieving greater efficiency and effectiveness in government operations. By addressing these issues, Nyanti hopes to foster a more cohesive and professional approach to governance.
The discussion at the retreat highlighted the challenges faced by the government in the digital age, where information can spread rapidly and often uncontrollably. Nyanti’s call for a more disciplined approach to communication is seen as a necessary measure to adapt to these new realities while maintaining the integrity and credibility of the government.
As the retreat continues, it remains to be seen how the cabinet will respond to Nyanti’s proposals and what concrete steps will be taken to improve the government’s communication strategy. However, her remarks have undoubtedly set the stage for a critical reassessment of how information is managed and disseminated within Liberia’s executive branch.
