The newly inducted President of the Publishers Association of Liberia (PAL) and Publisher of the New Republic Newspaper, Alphonso Toweh, has warned unscrupulous individuals at the Executive Mansion not to bastardize the website of the Liberian presidency or reduce it to mere Goba-Chop Market, where all sorts of commodities are taken there for sale.
In his attempt to draw public attention to one important issue that he said has been affecting the media for over a decade now, President Toweh disclosed that private institutions are using the official website of the presidency to advertise, which he described as very weird and absurd, to say the least. “Thank God that we have diplomats in this hall. Please let me know here today or later if the official websites for your respective presidents are bastardized,” he stated.
He averred that someone at the Executive Mansion is doing serous business at the expense of President Joseph Boakai. He said someone has turned the Executive Mansion website into an open advertising ground where anyone can just move there to place advertisement on it. “Our administration will constitute a crack team of PAL members to meet with officials at the Executive Mansion to find an amicable solution to the issue that is of grave concern to the PAL,” he observed.
He then expressed appreciation to the few INGos and NGOs that are still around and doing sporadic advertisements in various newspapers and on radio stations.
Toweh pointed out that governments all over the world are the largest advertisers with the media, and that it was now time that the Government of Liberia (GOL) settles its financial obligations to the media. “Paying our debt is a consequential relief for every media entity struggling to meet its commitments to vendors (printers) and employees,” he further observed.
According to him, many media managers were happy when they heard about the appointment of Augustine Ngafuan as Minister of Finance—that he is a friend to the media and might be somehow sympathetic to the plight of the media. “But we are yet to feel his positive impact. We hope we will feel it soon,” he added.
Alphonso Toweh’s statement was embedded in a speech he delivered on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at the Monrovia City Hall when he was inducted as President of the Publishers Association of Liberia (PAL).
Others inducted along with President Toweh are Bai Sama Best, Publisher of the Daily Observer, Vice President; Winnie Saywah Jimmy, Publisher of the Inquirer; Secretary General; and Chester Smith, Publisher of the Independent Probe, Financial Secretary.
The program was graced by several dignitaries, including officials of government, members of the diplomatic corps, media executives and civil society activists.
Serving as keynote speaker of the induction ceremony, the Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, Jeremiah K. Koung, who was proxy by his Chief of Staff, Prince Menkalo Gbieu, expressed congratulations to the new PAL leadership, and urged them to carry the torch of leadership with creativity and dedication. “Let us work hand in hand to uplift the publishing community in Liberia and contribute to a brighter future for all,” Gbieu noted.
Gbieu acknowledged the challenges that the media faces today, and encouraged the publishers not to relent, reminding them that the Boakai-Koung administration is committed to working with them for the advancement and sustainability of this industry. “You are partners, and shall remain partners of progress to the government,” he added.
He underscored, “Publishing is more than just a business; it is a vital thread in the fabric of any society. It shapes narratives, fosters dialogue, and cultivates understanding. As we embark on this journey together, let us remember the power of the written word and its ability to illuminate truths, inspire change, and connect communities.
“Today, we induct new members into the association who bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a shared commitment to nurturing the literary arts in Liberia. Together, we can advocate for the rights of authors, enhance the quality of publications, and ensure that voices are heard both locally and internationally.”
The induction of the PAL leadership into office was performed by the World Bank Country Manager, Georgia Wallen, who urged the new leadership to hold fast to the association’s core values, invest in the next generation of leaders, and recognize the association’s role in shaping Liberia’s narrative and future.
Wallen noted that, from the standpoint of the World Bank, it is their belief that development is everybody’s business, and that public information is key for accountability and transparency, and this is what motivates World Bank policy around access to information and citizen engagement. “Development is better when citizens are informed and engaged,” she stated.
In closing, she thanked PAL for the invitation to grace the occasion, congratulated the elected officials, and said they look forward to a very bright future for the Publishers Association.
The Publishers Association of Liberia (PAL) was established in 1997, and has many former leaders, including Stanley Seaker, Publisher of the Analyst; Philipbert Browne, Publisher of the Hot Pepper; and Othello Garblah, Publisher of the NewDawn. Alphonso Toweh takes over from Garblah.