Liberian Journalists in the Americas now have a new leadership headed by veteran Liberian broadcaster Pewee Baysah.
Mr. Baysah was elected for a two-year term alone with Mrs. Kadiatu Brohiri, National Vice President, Mr. Joe Kennedy, National Secretary-General, Mr. Stanley McGill, National Assistant Secretary General, and Ms. Lisa Willie, National Treasure.
During his inaugural message Mr. Baysah said, the Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas (ALJA), under his leadership will continue championing the plight of Liberian Journalists, training and providing networking opportunities.
In his inaugural message on Saturday, September 16, 2023, when he and a corps of offices were inducted into office in Minnesota, USA, He justified that the media is key to facilitating inclusiveness and participation of the whole of society in democratic processes and governance.
Highlighting the role of the media, the newly elected ALJA boss said, the association will continue supporting and protecting media freedom and democracy across Liberia. “Let me emphasize here that the Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas (ALJA) as an advocacy Organization will always hold the government of Liberia accountable for the performance of its duties.” Baysah noted.
Mr. Baysah said, one of the intrinsic principles of democracy is that the institutions of governance must be transparent and accountable, and governed with integrity. He said while the Liberian media are undoubtedly progressive in reporting and highlighting issues affecting society, there is a need to step up their watchdog role to help national institutions foster a more deeply entrenched culture of transparency, accountability, and integrity.
He described the role of journalists as important to sustaining democracy and fragile peace mainly during this upcoming October 10, 2023, general and presidential elections.
Mr. Baysah said, the existence of free, diverse, and independent media is a prerequisite for the proper functioning of democracies because independent journalism provides an opportunity to present facts to citizens and to form an opinion.
The ALJA President believes that democracy thrives where freedom of speech and expression are upheld. “The media is critical for creating space for people to express their views, giving voice to the voiceless including groups such as the youth, women, and people with disabilities, all of whom are marginalized but critical for achieving Sustainable Development in Liberia.”
He also acknowledges the unethical practices of some media intuitions in Liberia and said ALJA will do more in providing training and supporting democracy across Liberia.
“What I am more concerned about is the role of the Liberian Press in strengthening democracy in Liberia, especially during the electoral period. Democracy is neither inevitable nor self-executed.”
Every citizen in Liberia and outside will have to fight for it, and as our circumstances as a people change, we must be willing to evaluate ourselves critically and make reforms that make democracy thrive.” Mr. Baysah arrived.
He said both mainstream and digital media, including social media, should foster deeper inquiry into how the country’s governance and institutions function and their effectiveness in delivering services to the people of Liberia.
“The media should also proactively look for and tell the story of ordinary people doing extraordinary things to help solve the multiple development challenges the country faces.” The newly inducted ALJA President noted. According to him, this can help motivate more citizen-inspired action.
“Our country is at a critical juncture, and it needs all of us as journalists and people.” The veteran Liberian broadcast journalist, Pewee Basah said, he’s more concerned about the media in strengthening democracy in Liberia during the upcoming elections, stressing how every citizen will have to fight for democracy.
Meanwhile, Pewee Baysah- paid tribute to his predecessors Joe Mason, Moses Sandy, (former Presidents) and Dr. Samuel Johnson and Akai Giliden, former National Vice President and Secretary General respectively as he promised that the effort of the past leadership will not go in vain and he will continue to advocate for media freedom and societal reforms across Liberia.
Executing his power immediately, Mr. Baysah has appointed Mr. Lincoln Bryant as Chairman of the ALJA Media Fund drive committee, and Mr. Moses Sandy as a member of the ALJA Media Excellence award committee. Others appointed are Mr. Charles Crowford (reappointed) as ALJA’s external relations chairman-Liberia.
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