By Amos Harris
MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a direct challenge to Liberia’s media, calling on journalists to play a more proactive role in holding the government accountable and warning against the dangers of partisan reporting.
Speaking on Tuesday at the 61st-anniversary celebration of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), ECOWAS Resident Representative to Liberia, Josephine Nkrumah, stressed that a free and independent press is vital for democracy and nation-building.
Warning Against Media Polarization
“Press freedom remains a cornerstone of nation-building,” Madam Nkrumah said. However, she cautioned that professional practices are being threatened by partisan divides, which undermine the credibility of journalism in Liberia.
“Some newspapers operate openly as pro-government outlets, while others function as opposition mouthpieces,” she noted. “This polarization weakens journalism’s credibility and undermines its duty to the public.”
Her strong remarks come amid growing criticism of both the media and government, with journalists often accused of sensationalism and officials charged with manipulating narratives through selective engagement with the press.
Accountability and Professional Standards
Madam Nkrumah endorsed the PUL’s proposed Media Council as an essential mechanism to monitor unethical reporting and promote professional standards across the sector. She emphasized that journalistic excellence is measured not by the physical infrastructure where journalists work but by their fundamental commitment to truth, accuracy, and service to society.
“Every journalist has a responsibility to society. Excellence is not in the building where you work, but in the commitment you bring to your profession,” she asserted.
The ECOWAS envoy also urged journalists to thoroughly scrutinize the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, arguing that the media must hold leaders accountable at every level to ensure genuine progress reaches the Liberian people.
A Pillar of Democratic Governance
The intervention highlights the delicate balance between media independence and government oversight in Liberia. While officials frequently accuse journalists of reckless reporting, media practitioners maintain that public officeholders often exploit their positions to avoid accountability.
Founded on September 30, 1964, the Press Union of Liberia has long served as a guardian of press freedom. As Liberia celebrates over six decades of organized journalism, Madam Nkrumah’s call serves as a powerful reminder that a free press is not just a watchdog but a crucial pillar of democratic governance.
In her concluding remarks, Madam Nkrumah lauded the Union’s legacy and reaffirmed the importance of continued vigilance and professional integrity in guiding Liberia’s media landscape into the future.
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