FARMINGTON, Margibi County – The Commissioner Basic of the Liberia Income Authority (LRA), James Dorbor Jallah, has referred to as on discuss present hosts and editors throughout the nation to develop into “companions in nationwide transformation” by selling correct and accountable reporting on taxation and public finance points.
By: Gerald C. Koinyeneh
Talking Saturday at a two-day coaching workshop for discuss present hosts and editors held on the Farmington Lodge in Margibi County over the weekend, Commissioner Basic Jallah underscored the essential function of the media in shaping public understanding and belief in Liberia’s ongoing tax reforms.
“Income assortment is the lifeblood of presidency—funding faculties, hospitals, roads, and the various providers that residents depend upon,” Jallah stated. “However this mission can not succeed with out the belief and understanding of the Liberian individuals. That’s the place your function as media practitioners is indispensable.”
He described the media because the “bridge between the LRA and the general public,” including that correct, balanced reporting on tax points empowers residents to conform voluntarily, fosters patriotism, and transforms tax fee from a burden right into a contribution to nationwide growth.
Daring Reforms Forward
Commissioner Jallah outlined a sequence of formidable reforms the LRA is at the moment pursuing as a part of its modernization agenda. These embody transition from the Items and Providers Tax (GST) to a Worth Added Tax (VAT) by 2027, Comprehensive Actual Property Tax reform utilizing digital mapping in collaboration with native governments, expansion of the Excise Tax regime and measures to carry the casual sector into the tax internet.
He additionally named the digital transformation of tax administration, together with the rollout of the Liberia Built-in Tax Administration System (LITAS), ASYCUDA, Digital Fiscal Gadgets, cellular cash funds, and real-time digital fee visibility in sectors resembling telecommunications, gaming, and playing.
“These reforms are formidable, however they’re additionally needed,” Jallah stated. “They are going to solely succeed if Liberians perceive them—and, extra importantly, in the event that they consider in them.”
Media as Companions in Reform
He emphasised that the LRA views the media as an important accomplice in selling transparency and compliance. “If you report precisely on tax and income, you don’t simply inform—you assist construct transparency, belief, and nationwide possession,” he stated. “And when compliance improves, authorities can do extra: extra faculties, higher roads, stronger well being providers, and well timed salaries for public servants.”
The Commissioner Basic introduced that the LRA plans to increase related trainings to journalists throughout the nation as a part of a broader technique to strengthen media understanding of tax insurance policies and procedures.
Preventing Misinformation
Jallah additionally cautioned towards the hazards of misinformation and disinformation, noting that in at the moment’s fast-paced media setting, the press should function “guardians of fact.”
“In an period the place misinformation, disinformation, and unfavourable propaganda can unfold rapidly, the media turns into not only a messenger, however a guardian of fact,” he said. “Collectively, we will counter falsehoods with details, suspicion with readability, and distrust with transparency.”
Dedication to Openness
He pledged the LRA’s dedication to larger openness and engagement with the media, promising to make tax administration clearer and extra accessible. “This workshop is about partnership,” Jallah stated. “The LRA commits to opening its doorways wider, sharing correct data, and dealing with you to advertise consciousness, equity, and compliance.”
Concluding his remarks, Commissioner Jallah referred to as on members to unite round a shared imaginative and prescient of a “Liberia the place tax training is widespread, the place residents embrace their responsibility to pay taxes voluntarily, and the place income mobilization turns into a proud nationwide endeavor.”
‘Let’s Inform Liberia’s Tax Story Higher’
Additionally talking, LRA Supervisor for Communications, Media, and Public Affairs, Danicius Kaihenneh Sengbeh, urged journalists, editors, and discuss present hosts to make use of their platforms to advertise fact, accuracy, and accountability in reporting on tax and income issues, describing the media as an important accomplice in constructing a greater Liberia.
In his closing assertion Sengbeh praised members for his or her lively engagement and dedication, noting that the workshop marked “the start of a stronger partnership” between the LRA and the Liberian media.
“I’m deeply gratified by the extent of engagement, dialogue, and studying that has taken place on this room,” Sengbeh stated. “Collectively, now we have journeyed by means of vital matters—introducing the LRA to the media, demystifying home tax and customs, exploring our digital transformation, and discussing how the media can successfully and responsibly report on the LRA.”
LRA–Media Partnership for a Higher Liberia
Sengbeh emphasised that the LRA and the media are “not on separate paths, however on a single street main towards a greater Liberia.” He reminded journalists that they’re “the trusted voices” who interpret and body problems with taxation and income administration in ways in which empower residents, strengthen compliance, and encourage nationwide growth.
He famous that whereas the two-day workshop was productive, it represents solely the beginning of a broader engagement aimed toward constructing media capability on tax issues nationwide.
“The LRA stays dedicated to increasing this partnership, to steady coaching, and to constructing a community of tax ambassadors throughout the nation,” Sengbeh stated. “As you come to your studios and newsrooms, use the information gained right here to tell, make clear, and problem the place needed—at all times with the objective of fact, accuracy, and repair to Liberia.”
Accountability, Not Reward-Singing
Sengbeh clarified that the LRA’s partnership with the media just isn’t about in search of reward however about selling mutual respect, transparency, and accountability.
“This partnership just isn’t about praise-singing for the LRA,” he careworn. “The media performs a watchdog function, and we welcome that. However as you proceed to carry us accountable, we additionally depend on you to make sure that details about taxation, customs, and our operations is correct, contextual, and constructive—as a result of misinformation helps nobody, and fact advantages all.”
Constructing a Community of Tax Ambassadors
He described the workshop as each “inspiring and motivating,” highlighting how discussions, laughter, and shared experiences through the periods strengthened the bond between the LRA and the media neighborhood.
“This gathering exhibits what might be achieved when dialogue and partnership take middle stage,” he stated. “Allow us to depart right here not simply as journalists and tax directors, however as companions in nation-building. Collectively, we will and can inform Liberia’s tax story higher.”
The Vice President of the Press Union of Liberia, Beatrice Sieh, thanked the LRA for organizing the coaching workshop and urged the establishment to proceed partaking not solely the media but additionally different stakeholders and civil society organizations.
The 2-day coaching, organized by the Liberia Income Authority, introduced collectively discuss present hosts, editors, and media professionals to reinforce their understanding of tax techniques, customs operations, and the LRA’s ongoing digital transformation. The occasion featured shows from senior LRA officers, together with Commissioner Basic James Dorbor Jallah, who earlier referred to as the media “a bridge between the LRA and the general public.”
