Published: October 20, 2025
Monrovia – The Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) is under fire from lawmakers and opposition figures who accuse it of turning into a political attack hub rather than a national communication body.
Koffa Accuses Government of “Bad Governance”
Grand Kru County District #2 Representative J. Fonati Koffa—a stalwart of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC)— launched a strong rebuke against the government over what he called “poor governance practices.”
He cited the alleged mishandling of rape cases, dismissal of tenure officials, and the ban on commercial motorcyclists from Monrovia’s main streets as examples of leadership failure.
Speaking to supporters at an event announcing the CDC’s proposed headquarters groundbreaking, Koffa accused the Ministry of Information of using insults as a political weapon. “I know the Ministry of Ma-and-Pa Cuss will get ready for me,” Koffa joked. “Thank God my ma and pa are dead—they will not hear it.”
‘Stay on the Issues,’ Koffa Tells Minister Piah
Koffa further urged Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah to focus on delivering answers on national concerns instead of personal attacks. “Nobody can beat the Ministry of Ma Cuss in cussing,” he said. “But what we will keep doing is reminding you to stay on the issues. Tell us how many jobs the Rescue government has created in two years, why prices are still high even though the exchange rate dropped, and explain this 15% VAT coming next year. Those are the things we want to hear—not who’s drinking what.”
ANC’s Moriah Yeakula Echoes Similar Concerns
Koffa’s comments mirror those of Moriah Yeakula, Vice Chair for Legal Affairs of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), who recently took to social media to accuse both Minister Piah and Deputy Minister Daniel O. Sando of unprofessional conduct.
Her post—which drew widespread public support—criticized the ministry for focusing on personal jabs instead of addressing national challenges.
Senator Snowe Raises Alarm Over ‘Gangster Platform’
Adding weight to the criticism, Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe took the issue to the Senate floor, describing MICAT’s behavior as “a misuse of taxpayer funds.” “We have a problem in this country—and that problem is being facilitated by taxpayer money,” Snowe warned. “Using government platforms to insult national leaders and critical voices is unacceptable. It lowers the standard of the ministry and turns it into a gangster situation.”
He accused the ministry of targeting public figures like Senator Amara Konneh, Senator Creighton Duncan, former President George Weah, Bishop Kortu Brown, and former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, alleging that MICAT had mocked and insulted them for expressing critical views.
‘Today It Might Be Others, Tomorrow It Could Be You’
Snowe cautioned that the ministry’s actions could soon target ordinary citizens, stressing that the culture of public insults was eroding national respect and decorum. “Today it might be others; tomorrow it could come home,” he said. “People think insult is normal, but it’s being fueled by government platforms.”
Government Fires Back
In response, Deputy Information Minister Daniel O. Sando dismissed the lawmakers’ criticisms as misleading.
“The Senate platform was intended for Senator Snowe to speak on issues affecting his county, not to attack a government institution,” Sando argued. “His statement contradicts his own advocacy. We will not trade insults—the public shall be the judge.”
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