MONROVIA, August 26, 2026 — The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) is set to relaunch its Edward Wilmot Blyden Intellectual Discourse on Wednesday, August 26, with a high-level panel discussion focusing on drug trafficking, institutional accountability and the rule of law.
The relaunch comes amid heightened national concern over a series of major cocaine seizures and ongoing investigations that have raised questions about the capacity of state institutions to confront transnational organized crime.
The inaugural edition of the relaunched forum will be held under the theme: “Confronting Drug Trafficking: Strengthening Institutions, Advancing Accountability, and Safeguarding the Rule of Law.”
According to the PUL, a five-member panel comprising representatives from government, the Legislature, the legal profession, civil society and the media will lead the discussion.
The panelists include Justice Minister and Attorney General Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh; Gbarpolu County Senator Amara M. Konneh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Audits and Public Accounts; Liberia National Bar Association President Cllr. F. Juah Lawson; Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia Executive Director Anderson Miamen; and Infinity Broadcasting Corporation Chief Executive Officer Aaron Kollie.
The forum is expected to examine Liberia’s response to drug trafficking, including the strength of institutions responsible for investigation and prosecution, accountability within the security sector and protection of the rule of law.
The program is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. at the PUL headquarters on Warner Avenue, 9th Street, Sinkor, Monrovia.
According to the Union, the relaunch ceremony is expected to bring together representatives from the Legislature, justice sector, development community, academia, media and civil society.
The forum is named in honor of Edward Wilmot Blyden, the prominent Liberian intellectual, journalist, educator, diplomat and statesman.
PUL said the platform is intended to generate expert opinions, promote informed public discussion and provide critical and factual analysis of major national issues.
The Union said the Blyden Forum will operate as an independent platform bringing together policymakers, civil society leaders, journalists, academics and media practitioners for discussions on issues affecting Liberia.
It is also intended to encourage constructive national dialogue on democratic governance, transparency, accountability and the rule of law, while contributing to public discourse and policymaking.
Wednesday’s discussion on drug trafficking marks the first edition following the relaunch of the intellectual forum.
