Monrovia, Liberia – The President of the Publishers Association of Liberia (PAL), Mr. Alphonso Toweh, on Monday paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Information, Hon. Jerolinmek Mathew Piah, as part of ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration between the Liberian media and the government.
This visit followed an earlier engagement in which Minister Piah had called on the PAL President at his office, initiating a constructive dialogue that set the stage for continued cooperation. Both meetings reflect a growing recognition of the need for stronger ties between the press and state institutions in order to advance Liberia’s democratic and developmental agenda.
During their discussions, Mr. Toweh and Minister Piah underscored the importance of building a partnership rooted in transparency, accountability, and mutual respect. The PAL President highlighted the indispensable role of the press in Liberia’s democratic journey, stressing that journalists must be free to operate without intimidation, harassment, or undue restrictions.
Toweh noted that the media serves as the voice of the people and a watchdog of governance, making its independence and safety critical to national progress. He emphasized that the government must see the press not as an adversary but as a partner in development.
A central issue raised during the meeting was the recurring problem of security personnel leveling allegations against journalists. Mr. Toweh urged the Ministry of Information to work closely with security agencies to ensure that journalists are protected while performing their professional duties.
He cautioned that such incidents not only endanger journalists but also undermine Liberia’s democratic credentials. “We have observed that some government officials use unpalatable language against journalists, and we will not allow that in any form or manner. The media is very important in every society. Tell your officials who made derogatory statements against the media to rescind them. We would not like to enter a ‘different territory’ with them,” Toweh asserted.
The PAL President also appealed to Minister Piah to advise government officials against making derogatory or unprofessional remarks about journalists. He explained that such comments weaken public trust in governance and erode the dignity of the profession. Instead, he encouraged officials to engage constructively with the press, recognizing it as a vital partner in national development.
In addition to raising concerns, Mr. Toweh commended Minister Piah for revitalizing the Ministry of Information. He praised the physical transformation of the ministry, describing it as now resembling a true national information hub. “This Ministry now looks like a real Information Center. We think that President Boakai made the right choice to bring a developmental person into this ministry,” Toweh remarked.
His comments reflected appreciation not only for the minister’s leadership, but also for the broader vision of President Joseph Boakai in appointing officials committed to institutional growth and national progress.
Minister Piah warmly welcomed the visit and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding press freedom. He assured the Publishers Association that the Ministry of Information will continue to serve as a bridge between the media and state institutions, fostering dialogue and cooperation.
“As you know, the media is very important in every democracy. It helps a country move forward, and we as a government are committed to upholding this principle,” Minister Piah said.
The meeting concluded with a shared pledge to strengthen ties between the government and the media community. Both sides agreed that collaboration, mutual respect, and open dialogue are essential to advancing Liberia’s democratic and developmental goals.
By addressing challenges such as security brutality and unprofessional conduct, while also celebrating progress in institutional development, the engagement between PAL and the Ministry of Information signals a renewed commitment to building a media environment that is free, safe, and constructive.
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