Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel Tweah, underscores the imperative need for a candid conversation with media institutions and their unwavering commitment to ensuring quality reportage and the dissemination of objective truth to bolster stability in the nation.
Speaking at a joint press briefing organized by the Ministry of Information, Culture Affairs, and Tourism on Wednesday, November 8, at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congotown, Minister Tweah expressed concerns regarding the current state of media affairs in Liberia, highlighting that various individuals have been exploiting platforms, such as radio and social media, to disseminate information without appropriate verification.
He emphasized the critical importance of promoting accurate and trustworthy information to the citizenry.
While acknowledging the existence of fact-checkers, the Finance Minister expressed dissatisfaction with their response times in addressing misinformation.
He challenged fact-checkers, to adopt a more rigorous and expedited approach, and to have the necessary platform to promptly inform the Liberian people when false information surfaces.
Minister Tweah points out that a considerable portion of the population relies heavily on social media and radio for information, lamenting how statements from former government officials can significantly sway public opinion, even when those officials may lack a full grasp of the issues at hand.
He calls for the reinforcement of democratic values and heightened scrutiny of information sources.
Continuing, he commends President Weah for his determined efforts in successfully passing the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) scorecard, and for demonstrating extraordinary leadership in the past six years.
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He acknowledges that President Weah, as the country’s first “social media President,” has confronted unique challenges, and emphasized the substantial impact of media and misinformation in this context.
The Finance Minister also shared his apprehension regarding the country’s financial reserves. He disclosed that the national reserve had dwindled from $337.9 million in December 2017 to a mere $106 million six years later, resulting in a significant loss of $227 million. Minister Tweh raised pointed questions about the circumstances surrounding this loss, particularly during the tenure of former Vice President Joseph Boakai.
Tweah sees the upcoming election as a pivotal juncture, underlining the significance of addressing depletion of the country’s reserve and the alleged mismanagement of $227 million.
Additionally, he highlights that President Weah inherited a Central Bank net reserve of only $110 million, but has successfully restored and augmented it to approximately $312 million.
In the same vein, he wants media institutions to prioritize quality reporting with dissemination of facts and accuracy, underscoring the urgency of countering misinformation.
He also raised important questions about the management of the country’s finances and the pivotal role the upcoming presidential runoff election plays in addressing these challenges.
“Liberia remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a climate of reliable information and responsible governance.”
Additionally, the Minister of Information, Culture Affairs, and Tourism, Legendhood Rennie, expresses unwavering support for President Weah, emphasizing the President’s accomplishments as a distinguished leader.
Minister Rennie also underscores the significance of Liberia’s admission to the MCC program, which he says is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to bringing about positive change in the nation.
He refutes claims that President Weah lacks leadership skills, citing the MCC scorecard as compelling evidence of the President’s effective leadership.
The Information boss notes that Liberia has made progress, which has received recognition from international organizations such as the IMF and the World Bank, with forecasts pointing to a robust 4.8% GDP growth.
He says Liberia has achieved an impressive 70% score in the MCC fiscal card, signifying remarkable strides in the country’s growth and development.
He adds that the government passing the MCC scorecard signifies significant progress and accomplishment for Liberia under President Weah’s dynamic leadership.
“This achievement has been endorsed by international institutions and is reflected in the enhanced economic conditions of the country”, he says.
The Information boss is at the same time calling on Liberians to have unwavering confidence in the nation’s future and in President Weah’s commitment to delivering prosperity. Editing by Jonathan Browne
