By Christian Appleton
Ganta, Nimba County – In a significant move to strengthen Liberia’s anti-corruption efforts, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has concluded a two-day capacity-building workshop for more than 30 journalists from all 15 of Liberia’s counties.
Held from August 7-8, 2025, at Jackie’s Guest House in Ganta City, the training aimed to enhance media professionalism and establish the press as a strategic ally in the national fight against corruption. This initiative signals a broader shift toward prevention-focused strategies centered on information sharing, public education, and civic engagement.
Participants were trained on key legal frameworks, including the amended LACC Act of 2022, the Whistleblower Protection Act of 2021, and the Witness Protection Act of 2021. These laws form the foundation of Liberia’s legal resistance to corruption.
John E. Tommy, Manager for Education and Prevention at the LACC, stressed that informed journalism is vital for accountability. “The media has a responsibility not only to report but to educate,” Tommy stated. “When journalists understand the laws and systems in place, they become more effective watchdogs and defenders of the public interest.” He urged media professionals to move beyond event-driven stories and instead investigate systemic corruption, such as by tracking public funds and scrutinizing weak accountability mechanisms.
The training also highlighted the growing collaboration between anti-corruption institutions and civil society groups, particularly the Press Union of Liberia (PUL). Success Tokpah, representing the PUL Nimba Chapter, called on journalists to embrace their role as advocates for civic duty and transparency. “We are not just storytellers—we are public educators and accountability advocates. This training is a call to action,” Tokpah said.
PUL President Julius Kanubah praised the initiative, noting that a well-equipped press is vital for a thriving democracy. “Our democracy can only grow when the press is informed, equipped, and free to report without fear,” Kanubah remarked. While he raised concerns about the transparency of the selection process for the training, he expressed optimism for more inclusive future engagements.
This workshop is part of a wider effort by the LACC and its partners to cultivate a national culture of integrity. Journalists left with a renewed commitment to use their platforms to expose wrongdoing, advocate for ethical leadership, and build public trust.
As the fight against corruption continues in a country still dealing with the aftershocks of conflict and institutional fragility, this training underscores one powerful truth: the media is not on the sidelines—it is on the frontlines.
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