Author: Rural Reporters News Network
By Peter Quaqua| Former President of PUL/WAJA Every May 3rd, World Press Freedom Day invites nations and communities to reflect on the state of press freedom and the vital role independent journalism plays in democratic societies. In Liberia, where the struggle for free expression has been both storied and hard-won, this year’s local theme, “Sustaining Independent Journalism in the Digital Age,” carries deep significance. It comes amid an internal reckoning within the Liberian media, underscored by a prolonged election dispute within the Press Union of Liberia (PUL)—a situation that has exposed the fragility of the very principles we strive to…
May 3, 2025 TODAY, journalists in all parts of the world celebrate the basic principles of press freedom, which includes the right of journalists and news organizations to publish information, opinions, and ideas without government interference or censorship. Press Freedom essentially means the ability to report news and express opinions freely without fear of being controlled or punished by the government. The Independent Information Commission extends heartfelt greetings and congratulations to the PRESS UNION OF LIBERIA on the occasion of the celebration of World Press Freedom Day in Liberia. Often discussed as a side note to freedom of expression, press…
By: Keith Morrison | Staff Writer Webbo, River Gee County-Wednesday, May 07, 2025 – The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) took into custody two Liberian nationals, identified as Patience Nagbeh (22) and Haja Toure (48), following their official turnover by the Webbo Magistrate Court on May 1, 2025. The case unfolded after the Liberia National Police (LNP) Webbo detail presented both suspects to the court over a reported debt of LRD 20,000. During the hearing, Patience Nagbeh admitted the amount was tied to an illegal drug transaction, stating that Haja Toure had given her heroin to sell. She failed to…
By: Keith Morrison | Staff Writer Monrovia, Liberia-Wednesday, May 07, 2025- A planning meeting for the fourth edition of the Emmet A. Dennis National Scientific Conference (EADNSC) was held yesterday, May 06,2025 at the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL). The EADNSC is Liberia’s premier platform for showcasing scientific research, fostering innovation, and strengthening collaboration among scientists and institutions. Named in honor of Dr. Emmet A. Dennis, a distinguished biomedical scientist and former President of the University of Liberia, the conference seeks to inspire and promote excellence in scientific inquiry and evidence-based practice both within Liberia and across the region.…
By: Ben TC Brooks | River Gee County Correspondent Zwedru City, Grand Gedeh County –Wednesday, May 07, 2025- Beloved DJ Prince Gaye, affectionately referred to as DJ Fresh, of Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County sadly passed away on Tuesday night during the UEFA Champions League match that featured Barcelona against Inter Milan. Reports indicate that DJ Fresh fell unconscious just after joyfully celebrating Barcelona’s equalizer. Efforts to get him medical assistance were made quickly, but he did not regain consciousness. The unexpected news has left residents of Zwedru in shock, as DJ Fresh was a well-loved figure in the local entertainment…
By: Keith Morrison |International Correspondent Sivas, Turkey – Liberia is committed to actively developing and preserving its cultural heritage, the country’s Art and Culture Ambassador, Kekura Malawala Kamara, declared at the 5th Meeting on Experience Sharing Regarding UNESCO Issues Between African States and the Republic of Turkey. Speaking at the opening ceremony in Sivas, Turkey, on May 5, Ambassador Kamara stated that his appointment signifies a renewed focus on ensuring Liberia aligns with international cultural preservation standards. “We are working assiduously to ratify the eight conventions to ensure that we are on par with other nations,” he told the assembled…
By: Keith Morrison| Staff Writer Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County – Tuesday, May 06,2025-The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia, Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, has held high-level meetings with county and regional authorities in Grand Gedeh as part of a nationwide environmental compliance and enforcement mission. Dr. Yarkpawolo met with the Grand Gedeh County Superintendent, officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Public Works, the Liberia Land Authority, and staff of the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) and EPA’s regional office in Zwedru to discuss environmental and social issues confronting the region. The engagements are part of a broader…
By: Ben TC Brooks| River Gee County Correspondent Fish-Town City, River Gee County – Tuesday, May 06, 2025 – As residents of River Gee County reflect on the exhilarating match on May 05, 2024, which saw the County Team secured their first championship title in football by defeating Lofa County, there are renewed calls for reconciliation, unity, and collaboration if the county hopes to replicate its success in the not too distant future. It has been a year since River Gee County made history by triumphing over Lofa in a dramatic 4-1 penalty shootout after a tense 90 minutes of play…
By: Jenneh Kemokai |Correspondent Bo-Waterside, Grand Cape Mount –Tuesday, May 06, 2025- In a bid to strengthen the fight against economic crimes, the Liberia National Police’s Financial Crime Investigation Division unveiled a new billboard at the Bo-Waterside port of entry over the weekend. The ceremony, led by Johnny Borlar, Dean Commissioner for the Crime Service Department, took place on Friday, May 02, 2025, marking a significant step in public awareness and crime prevention. The billboard prominently displays the message, “Stop Currency Trafficking and Goods Smuggling,” serving as a stark reminder to travelers and traders about the consequences of illegal activities…
Smile FM Under Attack: Journalists Fear for Their Lives – PUL Calls for Safety Measures (May 5, 2025): The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) is calling on the authorities of Grand Gedeh County, particularly the Office of the Superintendent, to unconditionally guarantee the safety of journalists and media workers at Smile FM, a community radio station operating in Zwedru. This call by the PUL follows a violent attack on the station early Monday, May 5, 2025, by a group of individuals reportedly acting under the instructions of Superintendent Alex Grant. During this attack, Smile FM Broadcast Technician, Cyrus Gbeway, was…
