Othello Sarweh Nimely
Monrovia- December 12, 2025: Aggrieved workers of the Liberia Information Company (LINA), a division beneath the Ministry of Info, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT), on Thursday, December 11, 2025, staged a protest in demand of higher logistical assist and improved working situations.
The employees gathered in entrance of the Ministry holding placards, calling nationwide consideration to what they described as neglect beneath the management of Info Minister Jerolinmek Piah.
In separate remarks, the protesters alleged that they’ve been working in an “empty house” with no functioning gear to carry out their duties. Based on them, because the inception of the Joseph Nyumah Boakai administration, LINA has been disadvantaged of primary instruments, together with computer systems wanted to write down information tales, a scenario that has pressured reporters to make use of private cell telephones to hold out official assignments.
Regardless of over $700, 000 US for LINA operation within the nationwide price range, the employees additional lamented that their workplace lacks an air conditioner and even a toilet, making the surroundings extraordinarily unconducive for significant work. One reporter expressed frustration that the company doesn’t even have “a standard recorder” to assemble information tales successfully.
One other journalist accused Minister Piah of barring him from coming into the convention corridor throughout the common press briefing, just because he inquired concerning the deplorable state of the company. “Below Minister Piah, the Liberia Information Company is lifeless. No logistics, no transportation, and our wage stay very low,” the reporters complained.
The aggrieved staff additionally disclosed that the LINA information web site has been down for over a yr with none effort by the Ministry to revive it, a scenario they are saying undermines the company’s mandate to disseminate authorities data.
The employees known as on the Liberia Nationwide Legislature to intervene and supply readability on how the cash positioned within the price range is been spend.
LINA staff alleged that the minister of knowledge has on quite a few events consult with them as collaborator of the George Weah Administration.
LINA, Liberia’s official information service, is chargeable for writing and selling authorities actions. Nonetheless, staff say the company has been left to deteriorate “in broad daylight” whereas senior officers of the Boakai administration choose to speak by way of different platforms they personally management.
Thursday’s protest marks the second public demonstration inside a authorities communication establishment. Months earlier, workers of the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) additionally staged a protest over comparable grievances.
The protesters referenced earlier feedback allegedly made by Minister Piah, through which he reportedly described LINA as “a mere company,” suggesting that its function in selling authorities actions is insignificant, a characterization the employees strongly reject.
The protest by LINA’s staff has raised eyebrow over coordination inside authorities ministries and businesses. As of press time, Minister Piah had not responded to the allegations.
