By Amos Harris
The President Emeritus of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), Charles B. Coffey Jr., has commended Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah alongside the leadership and staff of the Ministry of Information for their ongoing efforts to keep Liberians informed about government policies, programs, activities, and overall national development.
Extending his commendation as Liberia celebrates its 179th Independence Day Anniversary, Mr. Coffey described the Ministry of Information as a critical institution within the country’s democratic governance and public communication framework. According to the former PUL president, the Ministry plays a central role in ensuring that citizens have access to the vital information required for meaningful participation in national affairs.
He highlighted that the Ministry’s essential role is deeply rooted in Liberia’s legal and institutional history, dating back to 1965 when the National Legislature established the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs. The institution was later reorganized and renamed the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism under the New Executive Law of May 1972.
Mr. Coffey noted that the Ministry’s statutory responsibilities encompass the preparation and dissemination of official press releases, bulletins, pamphlets, handbooks, and educational materials. The Ministry is also legally mandated to communicate government initiatives to Liberians at home and abroad, while actively promoting the nation’s cultural heritage and tourism sectors.
Recognizing these key responsibilities, Mr. Coffey praised Minister Piah for his proactive leadership and the Ministry’s steady public engagement through regular press briefings, media outreach, public education initiatives, and digital communications used to clarify national issues.
“As Liberia celebrates its 179th Independence Day Anniversary, I wish to commend Hon. Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, Minister of Information, and the entire team at the Ministry for their continued efforts to educate and inform the Liberian people about the functions and activities of their government,” Mr. Coffey stated.
He emphasized that the Ministry serves as a vital bridge between the Government and the public by making policy decisions and development programs accessible across the country. This work remains especially vital in Liberia, where radio, community outreach, television, newspapers, and digital platforms continue to serve as primary tools for reaching citizens in every region.
The former PUL president also applauded Minister Piah for maintaining constructive engagement with local media outlets, encouraging the Ministry to further strengthen its partnership with independent media institutions and journalists. He stressed that state communications and independent journalism serve complementary functions in advancing transparency, accountability, and democratic governance.
“The Ministry of Information has the responsibility to communicate the position and activities of the Government, while the independent media has the equally important responsibility to scrutinize public institutions, ask difficult questions, provide diverse perspectives, and hold public officials accountable,” Mr. Coffey explained.
Looking forward, Mr. Coffey called for the continued expansion of public information campaigns into rural Liberia while urging the Government to safeguard an environment where journalists can freely perform their constitutional duties. As the nation marks another milestone anniversary, he urged citizens and national institutions to renew their commitment to peace, national unity, democracy, accountability, and sustainable development, emphasizing that an informed citizenry is fundamental to building a stronger Liberia.
