"This Gov't Will Never Seek to Muzzle or Control the Press,” President Boakai Assures Media
The President made the statement Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the 2nd Annual Presidential Media Dinner held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, where he emphasized the importance of a free, responsible, professional, and vibrant media to Liberia’s democratic development.
According to the Liberian Chief Executive, the story Liberia tells about itself can influence how the international community views the country, evaluates its progress, and considers opportunities to invest. He encouraged journalists to tell Liberia’s story with truth, balance, dignity, and confidence.
President Boakai said government and the media have different roles but share a common obligation to serve the Liberian people, noting that while disagreements between both institutions are expected in a democracy, such differences should not diminish their collective responsibility to the nation.
He encouraged journalists to continue questioning, investigating, criticizing, and holding public institutions accountable, stressing that presenting a positive picture of Liberia should never mean overlooking the country’s challenges or abandoning the media’s responsibility to scrutinize those in authority.
The President also urged journalists to give balanced attention to Liberia’s resilience, progress, people, and potential.
“Reporting the country’s difficulties should be accompanied by truthful accounts of the achievements and possibilities that exist within Liberia," the President remarked.
Speaking further, President Boakai described journalism as more than just a profession, noting that it is also a form of public service by which journalists document history, shape national conversations, inform citizens, preserve national experiences, and help record Liberia’s continuing journey.
He commended members of the media for enduring the demanding nature of their work, involving long hours, personal sacrifices, risks, and travel to challenging locations in pursuit of information. He said their efforts play an important role in connecting citizens with government and keeping the public informed.
President Boakai cited the principles of the Table Mountain Declaration, stressing the importance of freedom of expression, access to information, and an independent, free, and professional media to the democratic society Liberia is building.
He called for deliberate efforts to strengthen relations between government and the Fourth Estate through openness, professionalism, mutual respect, and constructive engagement.
"Government must remain accessible and responsive, while journalists must continue to inform, educate, question, and hold public officials accountable," President Boakai maintained.
The President further urged both government and the media to create greater space for honest dialogue, credible journalism, and the free exchange of ideas, encouraging journalists to report Liberia’s shortcomings truthfully while also highlighting the strength, potential, resilience, and progress of the Liberian people.
The Liberian Leader, during his remarks, expressed condolences to the Liberia Broadcasting System and the family and colleagues of the late Charles Johnson, an LBS journalist and radio announcer, whose years of service he recognized, acknowledging that the late Johnson’s career reflected the important contribution broadcasters make to the country.
