Gov’t Highlights Press Freedom, Inclusive Media Engagement…..Minister Sando Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to an Open and Inclusive Media

By Amos Harris

The Government of Liberia has reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom, inclusive media engagement, and creating an enabling environment where journalists can perform their professional duties across the country without interference.

Speaking on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, Deputy Minister for Press and Public Affairs Daniel O. Sando stated that the administration is committed to ensuring that online platforms, freelance journalists, community radio stations, and established media outlets operate without discrimination or exclusion. Minister Sando emphasized that open dialogue with a vibrant media landscape remains vital for promoting transparency, public accountability, and national development.

During the briefing, Sando provided updates on several key national priorities, beginning with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr.’s upcoming participation in the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Before arriving at UN headquarters, the President is scheduled to attend high-level congressional meetings in Washington, D.C. President Boakai will formally address the UN General Assembly on September 24, 2026, and participate in strategic side events focused on Liberia’s international development priorities. To complement this diplomacy, the Ministry announced the publication of a new government development magazine detailing major ongoing national projects, which will be distributed to diplomatic missions, partner institutions, and international stakeholders during UNGA.

On economic matters, Sando reported that the national economic management team continues to strengthen domestic revenue mobilization to support key public investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Relatedly, the government is refining its national carbon market framework to establish robust legal and regulatory guidelines for carbon-credit trading, project verification, and equitable benefit-sharing. Sando also referenced resolutions from a national conference addressing non-performing loans, noting that reforms in the financial sector aim to stabilize the banking system, improve debt recovery, and expand credit access for small businesses, women-owned enterprises, young entrepreneurs, and the agricultural sector.

Addressing public infrastructure and security, the Deputy Minister highlighted the planned nationwide deployment of heavy earth-moving equipment—commonly known as yellow machines to accelerate road construction and maintenance, improving market access for rural farmers and communities. In the security sector, the government is expanding capacity through new recruitments for the Armed Forces of Liberia, strengthening the operational capability of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, and launching a recruitment drive for the Liberia National Police targeting eligible citizens aged 18 to 35 from September 18 through November 6, 2026.

Finally, the Ministry highlighted activities commemorating National Identification Day, underscoring the role of a secure national ID system in advancing digital transformation and economic development. Sando also reported on an ongoing climate-resilient water investment planning workshop, running from September 14 to 18, which brings together state actors and international partners to build long-term resilience within Liberia’s water sector.

Minister Sando concluded by reiterating that sustained media engagement alongside these development initiatives reflects the administration’s broader vision of transparent, inclusive, and accountable governance across Liberia.

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