Liberia: Government Commences Settlement of Longstanding Media Debts Accrued Under Previous Administrations
The Liberian government has begun settling outstanding debts to media institutions accumulated under prior administrations, aiming to restore trust and financial stability.Summary
The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning in Liberia has initiated payments to media institutions to cover longstanding debts for services rendered to government agencies. This action follows a review and verification process by the General Auditing Commission to ensure the legitimacy of the claims. Government officials state this is part of a broader effort to normalize financial obligations and strengthen the relationship between the government and the media, considered vital for Liberia’s democratic governance.
Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, reiterated the government’s commitment to honoring legally verified debts, following discussions with the Publishers Association of Liberia. He emphasized the government’s moral and legal obligation to fulfill its financial commitments and underscored that supporting the media does not compromise its independence.
The Publishers Association of Liberia has previously expressed concerns about payment delays and their impact on media organizations’ financial stability. Stakeholders have welcomed the commencement of payments as a positive step, while also urging the government to maintain consistency and transparency to prevent future accumulation of arrears.
(Source：Frontpageafricaonline)