PHILADELPHIA – The Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas (ALJA) has elected a new corps of officers to steer the organization. Joey Kennedy was elected as the National President, Priscilla Mah-Belloh as the National Vice President, and Melissa Annan as the National Secretary-General.
These new officials were elected and inducted at ALJA’s 12th National Convention held in Philadelphia from October 10-13, 2024.
In his inaugural address, President Joey Kennedy committed to innovative and progressive approaches in utilizing the organization’s 501(c)3 status to evolve ALJA from a striving entity into a thriving, vibrant, and fully funded Liberian diaspora organization. Kennedy pledged to maintain utmost efficacy in achieving continuous efficiency and to uphold ALJA’s primary objectives, which include advocating for good governance, rule of law, democracy, freedom of speech and of the press, and providing capacity building for journalists and media institutions in Liberia.
Kennedy also praised House Speaker Jonathan Fonati Koffa, the keynote speaker at the convention, for his pivotal role in mobilizing House members to pass a resolution establishing a War and Economic Crimes Court in Liberia. He noted that ALJA regards the court’s establishment as a significant stride, ending 20 years of evasion since the brutal civil war concluded. This legislative action demonstrates a commitment to holding war and economic crime perpetrators accountable, ending the culture of impunity, and providing closure for the families of the war’s victims.
Additionally, ALJA’s president commended Speaker Koffa for initiating an audit of the legislature, stating that while the organization appreciates these significant accomplishments, it will continue to critically monitor and urge the legislature to enact and approve laws aimed at improving the lives and socio-economic conditions of Liberians.
Furthermore, ALJA has urged Speaker Koffa to initiate a legislative probe into the role of Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) head, Mr. Dorbor Jallah, concerning the controversy over the procurement of a luxury SUV costing nearly $100,000 for former Commerce Minister Amin Modad, who resigned amid the scandal. ALJA insists that if Mr. Jallah and others implicated are found culpable, they should also resign or be dismissed and prosecuted in accordance with Liberian laws.
Founded in 1998, ALJA is a coalition of Liberian journalists residing in the Americas, dedicated to advancing press freedom and promoting good governance in Liberia through media advocacy.
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