Published: July 13, 2026
MONROVIA — J. H. Webster Clayeh opened his presidency of the Reporters Association of Liberia with a direct answer to the question that has dogged the organization for months: what happened to the money.
Delivering his inaugural address at the association’s 7th Induction Ceremony on Friday, July 10, Clayeh announced that his leadership will formally engage the immediate past administration of Willie N. Tokpah, in collaboration with the Press Union of Liberia, to seek full clarification on funds received, expenditures incurred and any outstanding financial obligations. He paired the accountability push with a fresh reconciliation effort aimed at the divisions tearing at the PUL, declaring accountability, transparency, and institutional unity the cornerstones of his administration.
The announcement comes amid months of concern among reporters and members about the financial management of the previous leadership, and amid lingering fractures within the country’s umbrella media organization.
The ceremony, held under the theme “Shaping the Future of Liberian Journalism Through Inclusion, Welfare and Reform,” drew senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, civil society organizations, media executives, journalists from across Liberia, and members of the public.
Confronting the money question
Clayeh acknowledged the concerns surrounding the association’s finances but emphasized that any review would be conducted fairly and without prejudice.
“We will engage the outgoing leadership and the Press Union to seek full clarification on funds received, expenditures made, and any outstanding obligations,” he said. “Our goal is not to put blame but to ensure that accountability is never ignored and that confidence in our Association is fully restored.”
He stopped short of announcing a formal audit, but the planned engagement is widely viewed as a significant accountability measure aimed at longstanding grievances among members.
The financial controversy traces to the previous administration, when disagreements over funds reportedly received during the last induction ceremony split the leadership. Then-Secretary-General Augustine Saah, now Senate director of press and public affairs, and Vice President Henscin Dehgar publicly distanced themselves from then-President Tokpah and Assistant Secretary-General Bobby Marvin Tingban, accusing them of mismanaging or siphoning association funds.
A reform agenda beyond the books
Beyond financial accountability, Clayeh unveiled an ambitious agenda to strengthen the association and improve the welfare of reporters nationwide. He pledged that transparency would define his administration and outlined plans to unite reporters, establish a national secretariat network, create Liberia’s first comprehensive Reporter Database, expand professional training opportunities, provide legal support for journalists, promote ethical journalism and ensure prudent financial management.
These initiatives, he said, are more than campaign promises. “They are our commitments to every reporter in Liberia,” Clayeh declared.
Peacemaker to the Press Union
Clayeh reserved some of his strongest words for the prolonged divisions within the Press Union of Liberia, describing the crisis as one that touches every journalist and auxiliary organization in the country.
“Fellow reporters, while we speak about unity within the Reporters Association of Liberia, we cannot ignore the reality confronting our parent body, the Press Union of Liberia,” he said. “The Press Union has always been the moral voice and institutional protector of the Liberian media. Whenever there is instability within that institution, every auxiliary and every journalist feels the impact.”
He stressed that his administration will not take sides in the dispute, seeking instead to promote dialogue, reconciliation and institutional stability.
“Our commitment is to work with every stakeholder, every former leader and every member who desires to see a stronger, united and respected Press Union of Liberia,” Clayeh said.
History has shown, he added, that organizations grow not because everyone always agrees, but because leaders choose respectful dialogue over personal interests.
“Today, we respectfully appeal to all leaders, members and stakeholders of the Press Union of Liberia to continue every genuine effort toward reconciliation,” he urged. “Let us resolve our differences through dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to our constitution. Liberia’s democracy deserves a united media, and a united media begins with a united Press Union.”
Clayeh closed by reaffirming the association’s readiness to serve as a bridge for peace, understanding and constructive engagement whenever called upon, expressing confidence that a united media community would strengthen press freedom, uphold professional standards and advance Liberian journalism. Other officials inducted alongside Clayeh include Kruah Thompson, Vice President, Blamo N. Toe, Secretary-General, Princess M. Kamara, Assistant Secretary-General and Cynthia Quinisier, Financial Secretary to serve for a term of three years.
The ceremony ended with renewed commitments of support from senior government officials, ambassadors accredited to Liberia, business institutions, development partners and fellow auxiliary organizations of the Press Union of Liberia — broad backing for a reform agenda whose first test will be getting answers about the books.
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