MONROVIA – The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, has officially launched its inaugural Open Media House, a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening transparency, deepening engagement with the media and promoting greater public awareness of Liberia’s fisheries and blue economy sector.
By Francis G. Boayue
The maiden edition of the Open Media House, held Wednesday, July 8 at NaFAA’s Headquarters on Bushrod Island, brought together government officials, journalists, development partners and stakeholders to foster stronger collaboration between the Authority and the media.
The event featured presentations by NaFAA’s Director of Communications and Media Services, Lewis E.B. Konoe, who outlined the purpose of the Open Media House, and Deputy Director General for Administration Madia H. Peters Magbollah, who highlighted the outcomes of the National Fisheries Investment Conference and the Authority’s vision for transforming Liberia’s fisheries sector.
Officially launching the initiative, Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism Minister Jerolinmek M. Piah described the Open Media House as an important platform that will improve public access to information, strengthen institutional transparency and encourage more informed reporting on Liberia’s marine resources.
Minister Piah commended the leadership of NaFAA for making strategic communication a central pillar of the Authority’s operations, emphasizing that effective communication is indispensable to national development.
“I have known the Director General for some time, and I know that he has always taken seriously mainstreaming communications in all that he spearheads and directs,” Minister Piah stated.
The Minister stressed that communication should not be treated as an afterthought but integrated into development planning and implementation across government institutions.
Highlighting Liberia’s more than 570-kilometer Atlantic coastline, he said the country’s fisheries and marine resources provide livelihoods for thousands of Liberians, strengthen food security, create employment opportunities, and contribute significantly to economic growth.
Despite the sector’s importance, he observed that fisheries and ocean-related issues remain largely underreported in Liberia.
“The press in Liberia, like in many African countries, is largely focused on politics and sports. This trend should be diversified to include reporting on the blue economy,” Minister Piah pointed out.
Minister Piah challenged journalists to broaden their coverage by exploring opportunities and challenges within the fisheries and aquaculture sector, describing the media as a critical partner in unlocking the country’s blue economy potential.
He outlined eight priority areas where the media can contribute, including promoting public awareness of marine resources, supporting sustainable fisheries management, exposing illegal and unregulated fishing, strengthening food security, encouraging investment, raising awareness about climate change, amplifying the voices of coastal communities and advancing Liberia’s national development agenda.
According to the Minister, investigative journalism can play a vital role in exposing illegal fishing activities that deprive Liberia of valuable revenue while threatening marine biodiversity.
“Media scrutiny helps ensure that fisheries regulations are enforced and that public resources are managed responsibly,” he said.
Minister Piah also encouraged journalists to increase reporting on opportunities in aquaculture, marine tourism, maritime transport, and other ocean-based industries capable of attracting both domestic and foreign investment.
He noted that greater media attention to climate-related issues—including coastal erosion, sea-level rise, and changing fish migration patterns—would help coastal communities better understand environmental risks and support adaptation efforts.
“The eight points I have outlined should serve as the foundation for collaboration between NaFAA and the media, with the Ministry of Information and the Press Union of Liberia playing coordinating roles,” Minister Piah added.
Declaring the Open Media House officially launched, the Minister expressed confidence that the initiative would become a permanent platform for dialogue, information sharing, transparency and collaboration in advancing a vibrant and sustainable fisheries sector.
Speaking during the program, Deputy Director General for Administration Madia H. Peters Magbollah said NaFAA remains committed to transforming Liberia’s fisheries and aquaculture sector into a major engine of economic growth, food security, and sustainable development.
She said the Authority is pursuing a strategic vision to position Liberia as a leading destination for blue economy investment by strengthening fisheries governance, promoting value addition, attracting local and international investors and enhancing transparency through greater public and media engagement.
According to Madam Magbollah, Liberia’s abundant marine resources present enormous opportunities for job creation, export expansion, and improved livelihoods for thousands of coastal residents.
She reaffirmed NaFAA’s commitment to implementing key reforms, expanding public-private partnerships, and ensuring the sustainable management of the country’s fisheries resources.
“These efforts will help unlock the full potential of Liberia’s blue economy while contributing significantly to national development and preserving our marine resources for future generations,” she said.
The Open Media House initiative is expected to provide journalists with regular access to information on NaFAA’s policies, programs, achievements and ongoing activities while encouraging more comprehensive and informed reporting on Liberia’s fisheries and blue economy sector.
