This year’s observance was held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex under the national theme: “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption for a Peaceful, Inclusive, and Prosperous Liberia.” The program showcased Liberia’s ongoing efforts and the challenges that remain in the fight against corruption.

LACC officials emphasized that tackling corruption is a shared responsibility and urged all Liberians to renew their commitment to building a society anchored in integrity, accountability, and equal opportunity. They described the theme as timely, urgent, and crucial to the nation’s development agenda.

Youth: The Heartbeat of Liberia’s Transformation

Liberia is one of the youngest nations in the world, with more than 70 percent of its population under the age of 35. According to the LACC, young people are the country’s greatest asset—its innovators, dreamers, and future leaders—yet they are also disproportionately affected by corruption.

“When corruption drains the national budget, it is the youth who suffer the most,” officials noted, citing reduced access to quality education, healthcare, employment, and public infrastructure.

The Commission stressed that the war against corruption cannot be won without the active leadership and participation of young people. “They are not bystanders,” the LACC stated. “They are central drivers of integrity, transparency, and accountability.”

Impact of Corruption on Peace and Development

The LACC warned that corruption remains one of the gravest threats to peace, stability, and national development in Liberia. It weakens institutions, deprives citizens of essential services, fuels inequality, and undermines public trust in leadership—risks that could reverse gains made since the end of the civil conflict.

A peaceful and inclusive Liberia, they emphasized, requires governance rooted in transparency. A prosperous Liberia demands that public resources serve all citizens, not just a privileged few.

To this end, the LACC reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying efforts in corruption prevention, investigations, prosecution support, asset declaration enforcement, and institutional reforms aimed at promoting accountability across the public sector.

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Organizers say the initiative aims to elevate the quality of health communication in Liberia at a time when the nation continues to battle infectious diseases, recurring public health emergencies, and systemic challenges within the healthcare sector.

Over the next three days, participants will receive practical training in health communication, information management, and health security. The sessions focus on interpreting medical data, verifying health information, countering misinformation, and simplifying complex scientific concepts for the public.

At the opening ceremony, facilitators underscored the crucial role the media plays in influencing public behavior during health crises. They stressed the need for credible, science-based reporting to ensure communities receive reliable information that supports life-saving decisions.

Journalists will take part in group discussions, case studies, and hands-on exercises covering epidemic preparedness, emergency risk communication, ethical health reporting, and improving collaboration between newsrooms and health institutions.

Many participants expressed excitement about the training, noting that it will enhance their ability to responsibly cover health emergencies, hold authorities accountable, and contribute to national health awareness.

The workshop will conclude with the development of a joint action plan aimed at strengthening cooperation between the media and the health sector and improving the overall standard of health reporting in Liberia.

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The updates were provided Thursday by Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Jerolinmek M. Piah, during the Ministry’s regular press briefing.

Major Infrastructure Push

Minister Piah identified infrastructure as a central pillar of the government’s development agenda. He reported significant progress on the long-neglected Bolahun Junction–Babo Road in Lofa County, which has been impassable for six years cutting residents off from basic services, trade routes, and economic opportunities.

“The road is not paved, but it has become totally unusable,” Piah explained. “Since coming to power, the government began restoring natural road conditions to ensure vehicles can move without getting stuck.”

A groundbreaking ceremony for the full construction of the Babo Road is scheduled for Friday at Bolahun Junction. Local communities, who have long endured isolation due to the road’s deterioration, see the project as a transformative step expected to revive trade, attract investment, and improve livelihoods throughout the region.

Strengthening National Security and Public Safety.

On national security, Minister Piah highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), calling the institution “a force for good.” Several traditional units have been reactivated, including the Engineering Battalion, which became fully operational earlier this year. The Agricultural Battalion—activated on February 6, 2025, under Major General David Singh—recently completed its first post-war storm-rescue mission and has begun producing farm harvests on a three-month cycle, with full output expected by year’s end.
“These initiatives strengthen food security, improve military training, and build self-reliance,” Piah noted.

On the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency.

The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency also reported significant breakthroughs in its fight against illegal drugs. Recent seizures include 3.43 units of cocaine valued at US$183,804; 9,377.98 units of marijuana valued at US$741,500; 108.46 units of tramadol worth US$373,854.99; and 2.14 units of drug precursors valued at US$4.4 million.

“Drug traffickers are determined to destroy the young generation. Liberia faces a real threat if urgent action is not taken,” Piah warned.
He outlined the LDEA’s 2026 strategic plan, which includes the procurement of new vehicles, recruitment of 200 additional officers, and a multi-sectoral approach integrating law enforcement, health, and education. Youth-focused outreach programs are also planned, targeting more than 100,000 at-risk young people nationwide.

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