MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Information Minister Ledgerhood Rennie has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to promoting freedom of expression and an independent press.

Minister Rennie said:” The move is to enhance good governance and protect Liberia’s envied democracy. Why Government promotes free speech; the need for public information to be credible, balanced and factual cannot be overemphasized.”

Minister Rennie is urging Liberian Journalists to uphold ethical standards and quality journalism by reporting factual and balanced stories.

The Information Minister maintained that the role of journalists is truth telling, enhancing pluralistic society and the promoting of democratic tenets.

Minister Rennie spoke on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, during program marking the official launch of a Media Defense Center, a journalist protection project under the auspices of VOSIEDA.

At the same time the Secretary General of Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform of Liberia, Adama Dempster, said:” An independent media is crucial to the conduct of the 2023 elections, and free and independent media play a pivotal role in upholding high standards of democratic governance.”

He also urged the media to focus on developmental issues, instead of placing more emphasis on political issues that may promote division.

Mr. Dempster pledged the Civil Society support and called for its extension beyond one year.

Also speaking, the Executive Director for VOSIEDA, Timothy Kortu, said:” The Center is being established to provide legal support to media practitioners who might be battling lawsuits.”

He maintained that the project will ensure the protection of journalists to enable them report fairly in the interest of the public.

By: Sampson David