While UNDP Promises More Support For Collaborative Efforts In Promoting Good Governance In Liberia
By Our Staff Writer
After a two-day intensive training in investigative reporting over the weekend, Journalists from media outlets across Liberia say with the sharpening of their knowledge and skills, they are more determined to join forces with the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) in fighting the menace.
Some 30 Journalists benefitted from the August 7-8, 2025 training in Ganta, Nimba County, which was organized by the LACC with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as well as funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund and held under the theme, “Uncovering the Facts: Strengthening Integrity through Journalism”.
Underscoring the crucial role of the media in successfully fighting corruption, the Journalists said it is only with close collaboration with the “watchdogs” of society that the anti-corruption fight will achieve success.
Both LACC and UNDP officials underscored the crucial need to collaborate with the media, if the fight against corruption and the promotion of accountability, transparency and good governance is to succeed in Liberia.
Speaking on behalf of the LACC Executive Chairperson, Cllr., Alexandria Zoe, her Executive Assistant, Ms. Vivian Akoto spoke of the significance of the event commencing a specialized training in Investigative Journalism and Anti-Corruption.
Ms. Vivian Akoto
“This initiative represents a bold and progressive step in building a more accountable, transparent, and just Liberia. The theme, “Strengthening Integrity through Journalism Uncovering the Facts,” speaks directly to the heart of our collective mission,” the LACC official said.
She continued: “As a Commission, we firmly believe that empowering citizens and communities through access to information and investigative journalism is one of the most effective ways to fight corruption and promote accountability.”
In response to earlier concerns expressed by the President of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) that LACC and other partners were not involving the Union in their media engagements, the LACC promised to change a new leaf and partner with the PUL in such anti-corruption media activities.
PUL President Julius Kanubah emphasized the need for a genuine and collaborative partnership among government entities, civil society organizations, and international partners to address corruption effectively.
The UNDP said “corruption remains a formidable barrier to development, eroding public trust and weakening institutional integrity.”
In a statement delivered on behalf of UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Aliou Mamadou Dia, Project Manager, Trokon Bryant said:
“UNDP is deeply committed to advancing transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance. Through our partnership with LACC and other key stakeholders, we seek to foster civic engagement and ensure that all Liberians regardless of geography or background are equipped with the knowledge and tools to demand accountability and uphold the rule of law.”
According to him, the UNDP remains committed to supporting Liberia’s efforts to combat corruption and build a society grounded in justice, transparency, and equity.
The training of investigative journalists and the dissemination of simplified versions of Liberia’s cornerstone anti-corruption laws the LACC Act, the Whistleblower Act, and the Witness Protection Act mark a significant stride toward empowering citizens and reinforcing democratic governance.
UNDP has expressed the hope that Ganta training will “be a meaningful contribution to strengthening local governance and fostering inclusive, sustainable development.”
“We applaud the innovative design of this initiative: from equipping journalists with investigative skills to utilizing community radio, theatrical dramatizations, and digital platforms such as the TALKAY App. These strategies not only elevate citizen voices but also reaffirm the media’s essential role in promoting democratic resilience,” the UNDP Resident Representative in Liberia said in his statement.
The initiative by the LACC stands as a model for inclusive governance and citizen-driven accountability, the UNDP Resident Representative said, adding that, “UNDP remains committed to supporting Liberia’s efforts to combat corruption and build a society grounded in justice, transparency, and equity.”
LACC said the training of investigative Journalists “represents a bold and progressive step in building a more accountable,” transparent, and just Liberia.