The Reporters Association of Liberia (RAL), in collaboration with the Africa Development Management Associates, is this Friday, February 23, 2023 holding a day-long regional symposium on extractive industry reporting for over fifty of its members in Ganta, Nimba County.
The symposium is being held under the theme,“Promoting Responsible Journalism for Socia-Economic Development”, and brings together reporters from Montserrado, Bong, Nimba and Grand Bassa counties.
A statement from the Reporters Association of Liberia said the symposium is aimed at enhancing the capacity of journalists reporting on the extractive sector, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively communicate the complexities of the industry.
RAL’s President, Willie Tokpah, said the benefits of such seminars are multifold. “Firstly, it will empower journalists to report accurately and comprehensively on the sector, thereby fostering transparency and public understanding. Secondly, it will contribute to creating a more informed public discourse, facilitating constructive dialogue between industry stakeholders and the community,” Tokpah explained.
He said the RAL Ganta symposium will put a spotlight on ArcelorMittal Liberia operations, with presentations from the company’s top management.
“The impact of AML’s operation extends far beyond its economic contributions, positively influencing social development and community well-being in Liberia, especially in Bong, Nimba and Grand Bassa. Thus, we believe it is important to increase public awareness of the company’s operation,” an RAL statement said.
Other media stakeholders and organizations, as well as local authorities and some political leaders, have been invited for the opening of the symposium, which takes place at the Alvino Hotel in Ganta.