Vows Stronger Protection For Journalists
Monrovia, Liberia – The Government of Liberia through Presidential Press Secretary on Monday, May 4, 2026, used the observance of World Press Freedom Day 2026 to strongly defend its democratic credentials, declaring that Liberia currently has “no political prisoners or imprisoned journalists” and pledging stronger legal protections, improved access to information, and better welfare for media practitioners across the country.
Presenting President Joseph N. Boakai’s speech at the Kakata national celebration, Atty. According to Kula Bonah Nyei Fofana, the government sees the press as an essential ally in democratic governance and nation-building rather than as an opponent. “Press freedom is not a privilege granted by the state, it is a fundamental right guaranteed by our Constitution,” Fofana declared before members of the Press Union of Liberia, civil society actors, students, and international partners.
Speaking under the worldwide theme, “Shaping a World at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Security, and Development,” Fofana stated that the administration is still dedicated to safeguarding journalists from censorship, intimidation, and harassment while simultaneously encouraging moral journalism and increased government transparency.
She listed the administration’s top four priorities: bolstering institutional and legal safeguards for journalists, encouraging ethical and professional reporting, improving public access to information, and attending to the welfare and security of journalists. In a noteworthy defense of the government’s record on press freedom, Fofana stated that Liberia’s media landscape is still growing, pointing to the rise in officially recognized media outlets across the country as proof of a thriving democracy.
As part of initiatives to strengthen ties between the government and journalists, she also cited the establishment of the Presidential Media Dinner last year, characterising it as a forum for discussion, trust-building, and acknowledgement of the media’s role in governance.
She also highlighted the Ministry of Information’s weekly press conferences and the president’s weekly press briefings as instances of the administration’s efforts to increase openness and direct communication with media.
In order to guarantee accurate and first-hand reporting, she claimed that President Boakai has also increased possibilities for journalists to travel with him on domestic and overseas assignments and improved direct communication with Executive Mansion reporters.
Despite these efforts, Fofana acknowledged that Liberia still faces serious challenges from misinformation and disinformation, warning that false information threatens not only public trust but national stability. “As we defend press freedom, we must also collectively ensure that this freedom is exercised responsibly,” she said. “This calls for balance: freedom with responsibility, independence with accountability, and openness with integrity.”
She assured journalists that the administration would continue to pursue reforms aimed at deepening democratic governance and safeguarding freedom of expression. “To the journalists gathered here, your work matters. Your courage matters. Your voice matters. You are indispensable to Liberia’s journey toward transparency, accountability, and sustainable development,” the Presidential Press Secretary narrated.
The event, organized by the Press Union of Liberia, brought together journalists and stakeholders from across the country to reflect on the state of press freedom and the future of independent journalism in Liberia.
