The Managing Director of the National Port Authority (NPA), has urged the newly inducted leadership of the Reporters Association of Liberia (RAL) to prioritize the welfare of its members, strengthen internal governance, promote unity among journalists and remain steadfast in defending press freedom.
Speaking on behalf of the NPA’s Managing Director, Sekou A.M. Dukuly, during the induction ceremony on Friday, July 10, 2026, Pewee Baysah encouraged the association’s new leadership to actively engage in international press freedom initiatives while ensuring transparency, accountability and institutional credibility within the organization.
He emphasized that a strong and united Reporters Association is essential to safeguarding independent journalism and strengthening Liberia’s democratic institutions. Conveying Dukuly’s congratulations to the newly elected leadership, Baysah expressed confidence that their administration would leave a lasting legacy.
He said the NPA Managing Director hopes the association’s tenure will be remembered “for innovation rather than routine, clarity rather than concealment, and long-term growth rather than short-term success.”
Earlier in his remarks, Baysah reiterated Dukuly’s belief that reporters remain the foundation of journalism and democracy, declaring that “without reporters, there is no news.”
He described reporters as the backbone of every news organization and an indispensable pillar of democratic governance, stressing that journalists are not merely content creators but defenders of democracy who hold institutions accountable, amplify the voices of ordinary citizens and provide verified information that enables the public to make informed decisions.
Moreover, the NPA Executive Director for Public Relations challenged Liberian journalists to remain committed to truth, accountability and ethical reporting despite increasing economic and political pressures.
“Without reporters, there is no news, describing reporters as “the backbone of every news organization” and an indispensable pillar of democratic governance,” Baysah said on behalf of the NPA Managing Director,
He emphasized that reporters are far more than content producers, noting that they play a vital role in holding powerful institutions accountable, amplifying the voices of ordinary citizens and providing verified information that enables the public to make informed decisions.
Reflecting on his own career as a former reporter, broadcaster, producer and talk-show host, Baysah said journalism has evolved significantly over the past two decades, with reporters now expected to serve simultaneously as researchers, interviewers, photographers, videographers, data analysts and social media managers while meeting the demands of multiple digital platforms.
Despite technological advances, he stressed that the profession still requires integrity, dedication and sacrifice. According to him, quality journalism is anchored on three key principles, depth, context and diversity.
Baysah explained that while press releases and social media updates often report what happened, professional reporters go further by explaining why events occurred, their broader significance and their likely consequences.
The NPA Executive Director for Public Relations said contextual reporting helps citizens understand the impact of government policies and national developments, while diverse reporting ensures that marginalized communities and underreported issues receive the attention they deserve.
Also, he acknowledged the difficult conditions under which many Liberian journalists operate, citing low salaries, inadequate equipment, threats, political interference and economic hardship.
Moreover, Baysah warned that such conditions expose reporters to corruption, editorial compromise and professional burnout, adding that genuine press freedom cannot thrive without sustained investment in independent journalism.
Paying tribute to Liberia’s history of press freedom struggles, he recalled how journalists endured harassment, imprisonment, exile and intimidation under successive governments, including those of former Presidents William V.S. Tubman, William R. Tolbert Jr., Samuel K. Doe and Charles Taylor.
The NPA Executive also honored distinguished Liberian journalists and democracy advocates, including Helene Cooper, Albert Porte, Samuel Kofi Woods, the late Musue N. Haddad and Joe Bartuah, for their contributions to democracy and accountability.
The induction ceremony brought together government officials, members of the Press Union of Liberia, representatives of media institutions, development partners and journalists from across the country to usher in the association’s new leadership.
