PUL President Julius Kanubah
By: Arthur P. Wesseh
Monrovia, Montserrado County — The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) celebrated its 61st anniversary on September 30, 2025, at Warner Avenue, 9th Street, Sinkor, Monrovia, with President Julius Kanubah delivering a keynote message on the state of the Union.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including the Resident Representative of the ECOWAS Commission to Liberia, Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah; representatives from the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism; the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications; the Independent Information Commission; the Office for the Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court; and the Kingdom of Morocco’s representation in Liberia. Senior media leaders, veterans, and journalists from across Liberia, Africa, and the world also joined the celebrations.
In his address, President Kanubah emphasized the stability and strength of the PUL, stating that the Union remains committed to its core objectives of protecting journalists’ rights, media organizations, and the public interest. “The Press Union of Liberia is stable, strong, serious, and scrupulously engaged in representing the rights of journalists, media organizations, and the public interest,” Kanubah said. He also led a moment of silence to honor the Union’s founding fathers and members who have passed.
Highlighting the historical importance of the PUL, Kanubah noted that it is the sole and supreme organization of professional journalists in Liberia, established under both the 1847 and 1986 Constitutions and recognized nationally and internationally. The Union has survived disputes, including an internal conflict over its membership register ahead of the November 2022 Congress, demonstrating its resilience and institutional strength.
While celebrating the milestone, Kanubah raised concerns about press freedom under the Joseph Nyuma Boakai administration. He cited an increase in cases of assaults, intimidation, and suppression of journalists and media organizations in the past 21 months. “It makes no sense for the administration to pledge commitment to press freedom while journalists continue to face harassment and intimidation,” he warned.
President Kanubah also called for the reactivation of the National Media Council of Liberia, an independent body to address complaints against journalists and media organizations. He announced that the Council will be inaugurated before the end of October 2025, consisting of veteran journalists, civil society members, government representatives, lawyers, and religious ethicists.
Addressing the economic challenges facing journalists, Kanubah stressed the need for sustainable support for public interest journalism. He pointed out that conditions of service for journalists remain problematic, including salaries, medical insurance, and other benefits, and pledged that the Union will soon commission a comprehensive assessment to advocate for improved welfare.
Kanubah urged all journalists to register with the PUL for accreditation, emphasizing the importance of unity and professional standards. He also highlighted the long-standing project to construct a National Headquarters for the PUL, a “generation of journalists’ project,” which his administration is committed to completing with the support of ECOWAS and other partners.
Concluding his address, Kanubah declared that the crisis within the PUL is behind them and called on members to focus on moving the Union forward. “If our generation fails, we will continue to fail the PUL for generations to come,” he said.
The 61st anniversary celebrations were a testament to the enduring strength and unity of Liberia’s professional journalists, reinforcing the PUL’s role as the moral guardian and watchdog of the nation’s media.
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