At The First Presidential Media Dinner In Monrovia
PHOTO: Pres. Joseph Nyuma Boakai addressing guests at the ceremony flanked by his bodyguards
By Frank Sainworla, Jr., fsainworla@yahoo.com
At the first presidential media dinner Thursday evening, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai made a promise that his government will not stifle but will engage the media, as the head of the Press Union (PUL) had earlier complained of attacks and threats on the media by some of his officials.
As he enters his second year in power, the Liberian leader assured that he would promote a constructive relationship between the media and the presidency. He was inaugurated on January 22, 2024, after defeating former President George Manneh Weah and his CDC in the 2023 elections.
Speaking at the dinner held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Monrovia’s Congo Town suburb on April 10, 2025, President Boakai underscored the sacred role the media play in building a vibrant democracy, saying that he values and appreciates media partnership in the interest of the country.
“This inaugural Presidential Media Dinner of my Administration is more than a courtesy—it is a gesture of appreciation, of partnership, and of the tremendous responsibilities that we share,” said the Liberian leader.
According to him, the role of the media to uphold the truth in a democracy is not easy, pledging his Unity Party government’s commitment to defending the Table Mountain Declaration to uphold free speech and press freedom, which Liberia signed several years ago.
Addressing publishers, media editors and scores of media practitioners at the dinner which was also attended by some top government officials, President Boakai declared that his government welcomes criticisms and is making efforts to enhance implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) law.
“Criticism is not a threat to our democracy,” he added. But he cautioned the media to be responsible as they make use of the space being provided to exercise press freedom and free speech, so as to combat disinformation and misinformation and create a safe environment for all.
Article 15 of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution says: “Every person shall have the right to freedom of expression, being fully responsible for the abuse thereof. This right shall not be curtailed, restricted or enjoined by government save during an emergency declared in accordance with this Constitution.”
PUL Pres. Kanubah complains of attack on media by some gov’t officials
Earlier in remarks at the first annual presidential media dinner jointly organized by the Ministries of State for Presidential Affairs and Information, PUL President Julius Kanubah welcomed the initiative by the government to host such a ceremony, as he outlined some of the challenges facing the Liberian media.
He complained that some community radio stations have been threatened and come under attack by some government officials in recent times, calling for an end to political interference with the independent media. BREAKING NEWS: Grand Gedeh County Authorities Shut Down Smile FM Community Radio – News Public Trust
PUL Pres. Kanubah
The PUL President spoke of the need for the speedy passage of the Bill to transform the Liberia Broadcasting System into a public broadcaster and urged the Boakai government to uphold and respect the rule of law. ALICOR Expresses Concern Over G. Gedeh Supt’s Illegal Dissolution of Smile FM Board | News | liberianobserver.com
“Let’s respect the rule of law and use the rule of law to fight corruption,” Mr. Kanubah stressed.
The head of the PUL ended his statement by rewording President Boakai’s mantra, “Think Liberia, Love Liberia and Build Liberia” by calling on the audience to “Think the Media, Love the Media and Build the Media.”
Officials say the Boakai government plans to make the hosting of a presidential media dinner an annual affair.
Thursday’s ceremony was spiced up by splendid performances by few of Liberia’s best comedians, punctuated by good music with delicious dishes and drinks.
Media representatives and others at the occasion later posed for separate photos with President Boakai, who was dressed in white long sleeves shirt with black trousers and a white hat to match.
