Published: July 10, 2026
MONROVIA – The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has launched its first-ever Open Media House, unveiling a new platform aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and public engagement while calling on Liberian journalists to give greater prominence to the country’s fisheries sector.
The initiative, launched Wednesday under the theme “Strengthening Media Relations in the Fisheries Sector,” is designed to close longstanding information gaps between NaFAA and the public through regular media engagement, improved access to information and strategic communication.
Speaking at the maiden edition of the Open Media House, Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism Minister Jerolinmek M. Piah challenged media institutions to broaden their editorial focus beyond politics and sports, arguing that fisheries remain one of Liberia’s most underreported yet economically significant sectors.
Piah said the media has a critical role to play in unlocking the country’s marine potential by informing the public about opportunities in the fisheries industry and exposing challenges threatening the sector.
“The media can be a strategic partner in unlocking the economic potential of Liberia’s marine resources,” Piah declared.
He outlined eight priority areas where journalists can make meaningful contributions, including marine conservation, sustainable fishing practices and exposing illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities.
The minister emphasized that investigative reporting can help combat marine pollution and habitat destruction while supporting government efforts to sustainably manage fisheries resources.
He also encouraged balanced reporting that highlights investment opportunities in aquaculture, marine tourism and maritime transport, saying such coverage could attract both local and international investors.
Piah further urged journalists to increase public awareness of climate change and its growing impact on Liberia’s coastal communities through rising sea levels, coastal erosion and changing fish migration patterns.
He called on the media to amplify the voices of fishermen, fish processors and fishmongers so that government policies reflect the realities of communities whose livelihoods depend on the ocean.
Press Union of Liberia (PUL) President Julius Kanubah welcomed the Open Media House, describing it as a model of proactive public engagement and institutional transparency.
He commended NaFAA for choosing openness and dialogue over confrontation, contrasting the approach with institutions that often become what he described as “attack dogs.”
Kanubah praised the authority for providing journalists with comprehensive updates on its programs, achievements and ongoing activities, stressing that access to credible information strengthens public confidence in governance.
“Enhanced access to information builds public trust in governance,” he said.
While applauding the initiative, Kanubah reminded journalists of their professional obligation to produce factual, fair and balanced reports and to continue holding public institutions accountable.
NaFAA Deputy Director General Madia H. Peters Magbollah described the Open Media House as a permanent communication platform that will provide regular updates on developments in Liberia’s fisheries sector while promoting transparency and informed public dialogue.
She noted that fisheries remain vital to Liberia’s food security, employment, export earnings and broader economic diversification but said public understanding of the sector’s achievements and investment opportunities remains limited.
According to Magbollah, strengthening communication with the media will help bridge that gap and increase public appreciation of the industry’s contribution to national development.
UNDP backs initiative
Representing the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Representative Aliou Mamadou Dia, a UNDP official urged NaFAA and other government institutions to remain responsive to inquiries from journalists and citizens.
She cautioned that the success of the Open Media House would depend on the timely release of accurate information, warning that the initiative would fall short of its objectives without consistent public engagement.
The UNDP representative also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting NaFAA’s programs and activities.
The launch attracted more than 30 journalists, media practitioners, government officials, development partners and fisheries stakeholders.
Participants hailed the Open Media House as a major step toward elevating fisheries on Liberia’s national development agenda, strengthening collaboration between the media and NaFAA, and promoting the sustainable management of the country’s marine resources for future generations.
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