Monrovia — The newly inducted President of the Reporters Association of Liberia (RAL), J. H. Webster Clayeh, has announced plans to pursue a comprehensive review of the Association’s finances while launching a fresh reconciliation effort with the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), declaring accountability, transparency and institutional unity as the cornerstones of his administration.
By Roseline Gbessagee, Contributing Writer
Delivering his inaugural address during the 7th Induction Ceremony of the Association on Friday, July 10, Clayeh said the new leadership will formally engage the immediate past administration led by Willie N. Tokpah, in collaboration with the PUL, to seek full clarification on funds received, expenditures incurred, and any outstanding financial obligations.
His announcement comes against the backdrop of months of concerns raised by reporters and members of the Association over the financial management of the previous leadership, as well as lingering divisions within the country’s umbrella media organization, the Press Union of Liberia.
The induction ceremony, held under the theme “Shaping the Future of Liberian Journalism Through Inclusion, Welfare and Reform,” attracted senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, civil society organizations, media executives, journalists from across Liberia, and members of the public.
New Leadership Signals Financial Accountability
Clayeh acknowledged the concerns surrounding the Association’s finances but emphasized that any review would be conducted fairly and without prejudice.
“We will engage the outgoing leadership and the Press Union to seek full clarification on funds received, expenditures made, and any outstanding obligations,” he said. “Our goal is not to put blame but to ensure that accountability is never ignored and that confidence in our Association is fully restored.”
Although he stopped short of announcing a formal audit, the planned engagement is widely viewed as a significant accountability measure aimed at addressing longstanding concerns among members.
The financial controversy dates back to the previous administration, when disagreements over funds reportedly received during the last induction ceremony contributed to divisions within the leadership.
The dispute saw then-Secretary-General, now Senate Director of Press and Public Affairs, Augustine Saah, and Vice President Henscin Dehgar publicly distancing themselves from then-President Willie N. Tokpah and Assistant Secretary-General Bobby Tengbeh, accusing them of mismanaging or siphoning Association funds.
Transparency, Welfare Top Reform Agenda
Beyond financial accountability, Clayeh unveiled an ambitious reform agenda centered on strengthening the Association and improving the welfare of reporters nationwide.
He pledged that transparency would define his administration while outlining plans to unite reporters, establish a national secretariat network, create Liberia’s first comprehensive Reporter Database, expand professional training opportunities, provide legal support for journalists, promote ethical journalism and ensure prudent financial management.
According to him, these initiatives are more than campaign promises.
“They are our commitments to every reporter in Liberia,” Clayeh declared.
Calls for Healing Within the Press Union
Clayeh also turned attention to the prolonged divisions within the Press Union of Liberia, describing the situation as a matter that affects every journalist and auxiliary organization in the country.
“Fellow reporters, while we speak about unity within the Reporters Association of Liberia, we cannot ignore the reality confronting our parent body, the Press Union of Liberia,” he said.
“The Press Union has always been the moral voice and institutional protector of the Liberian media. Whenever there is instability within that institution, every auxiliary and every journalist feels the impact.”
He stressed that his administration does not intend to take sides in the dispute but instead seeks to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and institutional stability.
“Our commitment is to work with every stakeholder, every former leader, and every member who desires to see a stronger, united, and respected Press Union of Liberia,” Clayeh said.
Reflecting on the importance of institutional unity, he added that history has demonstrated that organizations grow not because everyone always agrees, but because leaders choose respectful dialogue over personal interests.
“Today, we respectfully appeal to all leaders, members and stakeholders of the Press Union of Liberia to continue every genuine effort toward reconciliation,” he urged. “Let us resolve our differences through dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to our constitution. Liberia’s democracy deserves a united media, and a united media begins with a united Press Union.”
RAL Pledges to Serve as Bridge for Unity
Clayeh concluded by reaffirming the Association’s readiness to serve as a bridge for peace, understanding, and constructive engagement whenever called upon.
He expressed confidence that a united media community would strengthen press freedom, uphold professional standards, and advance the development of journalism in Liberia.
The ceremony concluded with renewed commitments of support from senior government officials, ambassadors accredited to Liberia, business institutions, development partners, and fellow auxiliary organizations of the Press Union of Liberia, signaling broad backing for the new RAL leadership’s reform agenda.
