Ministry of Transport communication head participated in a working session to validate Five-Year Draft National Communication Strategy

MONROVIA, LIBERIA —October 17,2026-Communications experts and representatives of 38 public and private institutions have concluded a one-day working session to review and validate the five-year draft National Communication Strategy intended for government consideration and subsequent implementation.

The session, organized by the Ministry of Information, brought together communication directors, consultants, managers, and other professionals to examine and provide technical input on the proposed 82-page policy document, which comprises nine chapters.

The draft strategy is anchored in the principle of “One Government, One Voice,” with the objective of promoting coherent, consistent, and credible government messaging across public institutions.

It is structured around five key thematic areas: Communication Governance Framework, Coherent Government Communication, Competitive Communication, Effective Crisis Communication, and Responsive Institutional Capacity.

The proposed strategy underscores the importance of rebuilding public trust, strengthening the professional capacity of government communication officers, improving information management and control, enhancing government-media relations, promoting press freedom and responsible journalism, and developing a modern, professional communication system.

To facilitate an in-depth review of the document, participants were divided into four working groups to examine and critique the nine chapters.

The exercise was facilitated by Malcolm Joseph, Executive Director of the Center for Media Studies and Peace-building.

During the deliberations, participants proposed revisions and additional measures to strengthen the strategy, including more inclusive communication approaches for persons with disabilities, a comprehensive communication framework for the Liberian diaspora, and clearer social media policy guidelines addressing content quality, accuracy, standards, and tone.

Participants also emphasized the need to clarify the proposed government spokesperson policy, ensure adequate budgetary allocations, establish sustainable implementation mechanisms, and strengthen institutional capacity to deliver the strategy effectively.

The session featured interactive discussions, the exchange of professional experiences, and technical contributions from participants.

Acting Information Minister Johnny S. Tarkpah and Deputy Information Minister for Public Affairs Daniel O. Sando provided interventions, clarifications, and guidance throughout the deliberations.

Minister Tarkpah disclosed that the proposed five-year communication strategy was developed by a specialized Liberian media and communication consultant with extensive professional experience.

He thanked participants for their frank exchange of views and valuable contributions, noting that their recommendations would help strengthen the document.

He expressed the expectation that, once approved and implemented, the strategy would reflect the collective input of the professionals who participated in its review.

In a forward note accompanying the draft document, Information Minister Jerolinmek M. Piah called on government communicators, spokespersons, and public servants responsible for shaping the national public narrative to embrace the strategy as a shared responsibility and a national duty.

Minister Piah's call highlights the importance of a coordinated and professional approach to government communication in strengthening public confidence, improving information delivery, and ensuring consistency in the presentation of government policies, programs, and priorities.

The Ministry of Information is expected to incorporate and harmonize the recommendations, proposed revisions, and technical corrections emerging from the validation exercise before submitting the revised document for Cabinet review and subsequent approval.

Upon approval, the strategy is expected to provide a common framework for guiding government communication practices and strengthening coordination among public institutions over the proposed five-year implementation period.