In a powerful affirmation of Liberia’s commitment to democracy and free speech, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., hosted his administration’s first-ever Presidential Media Dinner on Wednesday night, celebrating the indispensable role of journalists in the nation’s progress.
Held at the EJS Ministerial Complex, the event brought together media professionals, government officials, and civil society leaders for an evening of dialogue, appreciation, and shared purpose. In a room filled with some of Liberia’s most influential voices, President Boakai struck a unifying tone, declaring, “Criticism is not a threat to democracy; it is its essence.”
The President’s address paid tribute to the resilience of Liberian journalists, many of whom have faced threats, harassment, and financial hardships while holding power to account. He praised the media’s vigilance in strengthening democracy and reaffirmed his government’s dedication to press freedom, transparency, and journalist safety.
“This dinner is more than a courtesy, it is a gesture of appreciation, of partnership, and of the tremendous responsibilities that we share,” Boakai told the gathering. His words carried weight, particularly as he emphasized that “there will be no political prisoners and no press suppression under my leadership.”
President Boakai highlighted Liberia’s endorsement of the Table Mountain Declaration, a continental pledge to abolish criminal defamation laws, and the enforcement of the Abdullah K. Abdullah Act, which protects journalists from arbitrary arrest and intimidation.
He also pointed to the rise in media registrations since taking office, a sign, he said, of a flourishing press environment under a government that welcomes scrutiny. Additionally, he reaffirmed support for the Freedom of Information Act, calling access to information “not just a privilege, but a fundamental right.”
While celebrating progress, the President acknowledged ongoing struggles, including misinformation and journalist safety. He called for stronger collaboration between the media and government to combat false narratives while ensuring reporters can work without fear.
The evening ended on an optimistic note, with journalists and officials mingling, exchanging ideas, and reflecting on the President’s closing challenge:
“May this dinner not be the end of a conversation, but the beginning of a deeper, more constructive one between the presidency and the press.”
For many in attendance, the event was more than symbolic, it was a tangible step toward a Liberia where truth, accountability, and a free press remain pillars of democracy.
