Monrovia, Liberia – Jonathan J. Sahr, a seasoned videographer assigned to the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, has urged prospective Executive Mansion communications interns to prioritize dedication and hard work over financial gain if granted the chance to work there.
Speaking at the Executive Mansion 2025–2026 Communication Internship Program launch in Monrovia on Monday, October 20, 2025, Sahr emphasized that working at the Executive Mansion is not a routine task but rather a platform that requires perseverance, devotion, and sacrifice for the benefit of the organization and the nation.
Those looking for immediate financial gain may find it difficult to thrive in such a professional setting, the seasoned filmmaker, who worked for five presidents and two intern presidents, said.
“You are coming to the Executive Mansion for the wrong reason if money is the reason for your visit. The will and willingness to serve must come first,” he stressed.
The experienced videographer emphasized that interns must be ready to work at any time, even beyond regular office hours, as part of their learning and growth. “The job requires patience and total commitment. You must be willing to sacrifice your time at all cost and respond to duty whenever called upon,” he added.
he Internship program 2025–2026 was launched under the theme “Building the Future of Public Communications Through Access, Integrity, and Innovation.”
Senior government officials, members of the media, development partners, representatives from academic and civil society groups, and more than 100 applicants attended the ceremony, which was hosted on behalf of President Joseph N. Boakai.
Acting Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Hon. Samuel A. Stevquoah, who gave the keynote address on behalf of the President, characterized the internship program as a vital component of the Boakai Administration’s larger strategy for professional development, transparency, and youth empowerment.
“With ethical, creative, and responsible public communication, this initiative will provide a platform for developing a new generation of young communicators who will strengthen the link between citizens and government,” Minister Stevquoah stated.
Hon. Aliou Mamadou Dia, the UNDP Country Representative commended the Executive Mansion for its visionary leadership in starting the program. He reiterated UNDP’s backing for programs that strengthen public sector communication and institutional capacity, particularly among the young professionals who will be influencing Liberia’s future.
Julius Kullie Kanubah, president of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), praised the program as an innovative and timely move that improves the government-media interaction. He referred to the program as a “practical bridge between classroom learning and real-world communication practice” and urged interns to adhere to professionalism and ethical journalism.
Atty. Kula Fofana, the presidential press secretary, spoke and thanked the attendees, partners, and potential interns for their support and involvement. She gave the audience her word that the selection procedure would be carried out in a way that reflected the program’s basic principles and would be transparent and honest.
The Executive Mansion Communication Internship Program 2025–2026 is designed to equip young Liberians with professional experience in strategic communication, media engagement, digital storytelling, and public information management within the Office of the President and other key government institutions.
With this inauguration, Liberia’s public communication systems will undergo a new phase of development that is based on openness, cooperation, and youth leadership.
Photo credit: Executive Mansion
Reported by Prince Saah
