By : P Uriah Suah
suahuriah86@gmail.com
Ganta City, Nimba county: Ahead of the April 22 senatorial by-election in Nimba County, about twenty journalists are participating in a three-day training workshop on investigative election reporting and fact-checking in Ganta.
The training is being conducted under the auspices of Internews, in collaboration with its partners—the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP), Local Voices Liberia (LVL), Messengers of Peace-Liberia Inc. (MOP-Liberia Inc.), and JournalRAGE Liberia. It is also being held in partnership with the National Elections Commission (NEC), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Liberia Office, and UN Women Liberia. The initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of media professionals covering the upcoming election by equipping them with investigative journalism and fact-checking skills. It is funded by the European Union under the Liberia Media Empowerment Project (LMEP), implemented by Internews.
Speaking at the opening session, NEC Chairperson Madam Davidetta Browne Lansanah urged journalists to conduct thorough research before publishing any election-related stories. She emphasized the essential role the media plays in combating misinformation and disinformation throughout the electoral process.
Madam Lansanah underscored the importance of the training, noting that it will enhance the credibility of media coverage and build public trust. She encouraged collaboration among fact-checkers to ensure the dissemination of accurate information. She also reaffirmed the NEC’s commitment—alongside its partners—to uphold the integrity of the election results.
Also speaking at the event, Malcolm W. Joseph, Executive Director of CEMESP, noted that the workshop would empower journalists not only to tackle misinformation but also to report on gender-related issues and ensure balanced representation of all candidates. He emphasized the need for inclusive reporting that reflects diverse perspectives and contributes to credible elections.
Mr. Joseph further revealed that upon completion of the training sessions in Ganta and Tappita, twenty journalists will be eligible to apply for mini reporting stipends. These stipends will support their coverage of the by-election and critical human rights issues, including those concerning the proposed War and Economic Crimes Court.
Internews Country Director Samukai Konneh urged participants to ensure the conduct of free, fair, and transparent elections before, during, and after polling day. He expressed hope that journalists will demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, ensuring accuracy and credibility in their reporting.
Launching the fact-checking and investigative election reporting grants, Mr. Konneh encouraged participants to utilize the funding effectively to produce impactful stories.
In separate remarks, Leeneh Yvette Kiamu of UN Women encouraged journalists to be objective and intentional in their work, urging them to broaden their perspectives, particularly in gender-sensitive reporting.
UNDP representative Timothy Woods commended the strong coordination and partnership behind the training process.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Lydia Duo of Radio Kergheamahn and David Tahn of Radio Sehnwai expressed the group’s unwavering commitment to applying the knowledge and skills acquired to provide comprehensive election coverage. They noted that the training has enhanced their understanding of how to report on complex electoral issues, conflict sensitivity, gender equality, fact-checking, human rights, and diversity, both in Nimba and across Liberia.
Nimba County is scheduled to head to the polls on April 22, 2025, for a senatorial by-election. The vacancy was created by the passing of Senator Prince Yormie Johnson in November 2024. The late senator, often referred to as the “Godfather of Nimba,” was the county’s longest-serving legislator, and his death left a significant void in both local leadership and the political landscape.
Several individuals—including a daughter of the county—have declared interest in filling the vacant seat. The National Elections Commission, Liberia’s electoral body, has officially confirmed seven candidates as legitimate contenders in the upcoming by-election.
