Defeated Senatorial Candidate, Now Superintendent, Accused of Undermining Management
ZWEDRU, Grand Gedeh, Liberia – Superintendent Alex C. Grant, a former representative of Gbarzon District and a failed senatorial candidate in the 2023 elections, is facing heavy criticism for his alleged interference in the management of Smile FM 98.6, a respected community radio station in Grand Gedeh County.
Observers argue that his actions represent a blatant attempt to manipulate the station’s leadership, despite its governance under the Association of Liberian Community Radios (ALICOR) and the Press Union of Liberia (PUL).
Reports indicate that Superintendent Grant has repeatedly disregarded the station’s governance structure by unilaterally appointing board members—despite the presence of an already functional board. Critics see this as an effort to exert political control over the station’s administration and undermine its editorial independence.
Supt. Alex Grant
Many within the media and civil society consider Grant’s interference a direct threat to press freedom, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for government officials seeking control over media institutions for personal or political gain. His alleged actions have sparked outrage among journalists, activists, and citizens who value free speech and independent journalism.
According to activist Samson B. Williams, Superintendent Grant has a history of violating media independence, dating back to his time as a representative. Williams vowed that the youth of Grand Gedeh would not stand idly by.
“This is the fourth time this so-called superintendent has attempted to disrupt a community radio station that has been doing an excellent job in informing the people of this county. Let it be known that if he dares proceed to Smile FM to install his hand-picked board members, that same day, the youth of Grand Gedeh will take to the streets, disrupt normal activities, and march to the Administrative Building in protest,” Williams warned.
He further urged the Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. Francis Sakila Nyumalin Sr., to intervene and stop Superintendent Grant from meddling in the affairs of the community radio station.
A senior media professional, speaking anonymously, echoed similar concerns. “Superintendent Grant needs to focus on his duties as a county official instead of interfering in the affairs of Smile FM. Community radio stations should be governed by professional media organizations, not political figures.”
Despite widespread opposition, Grant recently appointed an interim board for Smile FM on March 28, 2025, disregarding the existing leadership. The appointed members include:
- Madam Watchen Ophelia Boley– Chair; two-time representative candidate in District #1 representative elections and recently appointed by President Boakai to lead the Liberia Marketing Association in Grand Gedeh County.
- William J. Deah– Co-Chair
- Albertine Siah– Treasurer
- Philip S. Green– Legal Advisor
The move has been widely condemned by citizens and media stakeholders, who argue that it threatens free speech and the independence of one of Grand Gedeh’s most vibrant community radio stations. Reports suggest that Grant initially sought to remove the station manager but was blocked due to Smile FM’s governing board structure. When this effort failed, he allegedly resorted to replacing the board itself.
A frequent listener of Smile FM expressed frustration, stating, “Grant, after failing the people of Gbarzon District and being imposed on Grand Gedeh County by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai as superintendent, has nothing to offer. Instead, he is being used by Senator Zoe Emmanuel Pennue to create tension at the county’s top radio station.”
The Superintendent’s actions have drawn sharp criticism from local and national institutions, including the Grand Gedeh Chapter of the National Civil Society Council of Liberia (NCSCL), the Association of Liberia Community Radio (ALICOR), and prominent media figures. These groups are demanding immediate action to prevent further political interference in media institutions.
Civil society and media organizations are calling on ALICOR and the PUL to take a decisive stand in defending Smile FM’s independence. They stress that community radio stations must remain free from external influence to effectively serve the public and uphold the principles of democracy and press freedom.
As tensions escalate, all eyes are now on Liberia’s media regulatory bodies and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to determine whether Superintendent Grant’s interference will be halted or if Smile FM will become another victim of political control in Grand Gedeh County