Liberia Will Have No Political Prisoners, No Press Suppression – Pres. Boakai

Despite the criticism and spread of dissemination of negative propaganda by some media institutions against the government, President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr. has said Liberia will have no political prisoners and there will be no press suppression under his administration.

"I stand before you to reaffirm a commitment: under my leadership, Liberia will have no political prisoners and no press suppression. Criticism is not a threat to democracy; it is the essence. We will not shy away from your questions; instead, we will listen. We will not stifle dissenting voices; we will engage with them,” the Liberian leader affirmed.

Speaking Thursday, April 10, 2025, during the program marking the inaugural Presidential Media Dinner of his administration, President Boakai said the occasion is more than a courtesy, and that it is a “gesture of appreciation, of partnership, and of the tremendous responsibilities that we share.”

"I want to commend you, the Liberian media community, for all that you have done to nurture the growth of our democracy and the advancement of our cause, we also extol your resilience, vigilance, and commitment to truth and yours is not an easy calling. It demands courage, sacrifice, and, above all, integrity," he indicated.

President Boakai noted that Liberia is setting an example across Africa in championing press freedom, adding, "We are steadfast in our support of the Table Mountain Declaration, which serves not merely as a written commitment, but as a living pledge to defend journalists' rights and guarantee the free exchange of information in our community."

He pointed out that his government has also taken meaningful steps with backing from partners and stakeholders, adding that his administration is advancing the work of the Commission on Information, a vital new body dedicated to promoting transparency and public access to information. 

According to him, the commission will serve as a conduit between the government and the citizens, facilitating the free flow of facts and building public trust.

The Liberian Chief executive emphasized: "We are continuously enhancing the enforcement of the Freedom of Information Act, ensuring that public entities share knowledge rather than withhold it from the citizens they serve, access to information is not just a privilege; it is a fundamental right, and this administration is committed to upholding that right."

In the same spirit, 'I recommit my administration to upholding the K. Abdullah Kamara Act – a law that stands as a monument to press freedom and the memory of one of Liberia’s most courageous media pioneers. This act not only protects journalists from arbitrary arrest and intimidation but also enshrines media freedom as a cornerstone of our democracy.

He further said the richness of “our media landscape reflects this progress. Since I took office, we have seen the registration of more media outlets than ever before, creating additional platforms for storytelling, accountability, and the influence of public opinion. This growth is not coincidental; it stems from a political climate that honors the freedom to speak, publish, and critique.”

President Boakai expressed that there is still work to be done to improve professionalism, to combat misinformation, and to ensure journalists are safe and supported in every county of Liberia.

Urging all to celebrate how far the nation has come, the Liberian leader added: “Let us continue to build a society where facts and respect for our traditional values matter. Let us together build a society where the media thrives, and where government and press, while distinct, move in the same direction for the good of the Liberian people.

He urged journalists attending the occasion not to see the dinner as an end of a conversation but the beginning of a deeper, more constructive one between the presidency and the press.