Vice President Boakai Speaks on Media Indispensable Role in Liberia

Vice President Joseph N. Boakai has lamented the many difficulties media executives and journalists undergo to get the public informed on critical national developments, including the cost associated with operating generators, salaries, maintenance expenses and rent, but noted that with time the situation could improve if we all work together to improve the economy and move Liberia to the next level of development.

He said the media wake up the people to crucial issues and set the agenda for discussion on matters that affect society. Vice President Boakai was speaking Wednesday on Capitol Hill when he received a four man delegation from Media Aid Foundation, an organization devoted to the training of Journalists, research, consultancy, advocacy, public relations and other media related programs.

Vice President Boakai stressed that ‘we are aware of the difficulties journalists go through, but with time the situation will improve.” Commenting on capacity building for media practitioners, Vice President Boakai said training of journalists in our country is a very good thing and that upgrading the capacities of media practitioners should be done without discrimination, saying “when people are better prepared the country becomes better.”

Vice President Boakai warned that assuming that one knows everything is a very dangerous thing and called on all people of good will to support good causes for the betterment of society. He encouraged the media to move out in the country side and do documentaries because the nation is endowed with a rich cultural heritage and by doing so sponsorship could come from local or international partners.

Speaking further, Vice President Boakai pointed out that community radio stations in the counties were set up for the purpose of education, information and to air programs in agriculture, health and promote rural development, but instead have devoted less time to these development programs. Vice President Boakai praised the media as crucial partners in the development process of the country and noted that capacity building at the national level is a priority.