The Ministry of Information Culture Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) said it has received with great sorrow the news of the passing of renowned Liberian Journalist Phillip Wesseh, who served as Managing Editor of the Inquirer newspaper for many years before his demise. Journalist Wesseh was also an attorney-at-law.
Friends and family sources of the respected journalist have confirmed his passing. He died at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 after a protracted period of illness.
Information Minister, Ledgerhood Rennie, has described the death of Journalist Wesseh as a “massive blow” to the journalism community in the country. Affectionately called “Genie” by friends and colleagues, Phillip Wesseh was a towering personality of ethical and modern journalism in Liberia.
“He was the central figure that all journalists, young and old, could reach out to for wise counsel and direction,” Minister Rennie said.
Continuing, Minister Rennie explained that “Philip earned for himself respect and influence in the journalism community for the congenial, but professional relationship he formed.” He said the fallen journalist “safeguarded the public trust”, while keeping the true values of the profession alive.
The MICAT boss expressed heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family on behalf of the Government of Liberia (GOL), and promised to work with the Press Union of Liberia in order to give the journalist a befitting home-going.
It can be recalled that earlier this year, His Excellency Dr. George M. Weah, made a generous donation of US$30,000 to underwrite the medical bills of Journalist Wesseh in Accra, Ghana.