Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) Commissioner Patrick Honnah has provided financial support to several community radio stations across Liberia, describing the intervention as an effort to strengthen grassroots journalism and recognize the role of local media in community development.
Honnah, a former broadcast journalist, said community radio remains an important source of information for ordinary Liberians, particularly in areas where access to other forms of media is limited.
He said community radio stations help communities understand government programs, discuss issues affecting their lives and participate more meaningfully in national development.
According to Honnah, the support is intended to recognize journalists working at the community level, many of whom operate with limited resources while providing services that are essential to keeping their communities informed.
The LTA Commissioner said he intends to continue engaging community radio practitioners as part of his efforts to help communicate government programs and development initiatives to citizens.
Honnah said his background as a media practitioner has given him a strong connection to community journalists and created an obligation to contribute to media development where possible.
“Government cannot do everything,” Honnah said, adding that as a government official, he is using his limited resources to make interventions where necessary, particularly in support of media institutions operating at the community level.
He also encouraged community radio practitioners to continue reporting on developments under the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
Honnah urged journalists to report on government activities based on facts rather than misrepresenting the administration’s performance.
“Media institutions don’t have to lie about what the President is doing, as you can see significant development across this country is unprecedented,” he said.
The Commissioner said adequately and realistically informed communities are better positioned to make decisions that contribute to Liberia’s development.
Receiving the support on behalf of the beneficiaries, Radio Kwatekeh General Manager and CEO Papa Morris thanked Honnah for the gesture, saying it demonstrated his continued commitment to the media despite his current position in government.
Morris said the assistance would motivate community radio journalists who continue to provide information and platforms for citizens to discuss issues affecting their communities.
He said Honnah’s support also reflects his longstanding relationship with community radio practitioners.
Morris recalled that during Honnah’s tenure at the Liberia Broadcasting System, he maintained regular contact with community radio journalists, frequently calling to check on their welfare and activities.
He said the relationship between Honnah and community media practitioners has extended beyond financial assistance.
“Local media practitioners do not see their relationship with Mr. Honnah based on financial assistance but has graduated to family status,” Morris said.
The initiative is expected to strengthen cooperation between community radio practitioners and stakeholders involved in public information, journalism and community development across Liberia.
