‘Poor Working Conditions At LINA’

Othello Sarweh Nimely

Monrovia- December 12, 2025: Aggrieved employees of the Liberia News Agency (LINA), a department under the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT), on Thursday, December 11, 2025, staged a protest in demand of better logistical support and improved working conditions.

The workers gathered in front of the Ministry holding placards, calling national attention to what they described as neglect under the leadership of Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah.

In separate remarks, the protesters alleged that they have been operating in an “empty space” with no functioning equipment to perform their duties. According to them, since the inception of the Joseph Nyumah Boakai administration, LINA has been deprived of basic tools, including computers needed to write news stories, a situation that has forced reporters to use personal cell phones to carry out official assignments.

Despite over $700, 000 US for LINA operation in the national budget, the workers further lamented that their office lacks an air conditioner and even a bathroom, making the environment extremely unconducive for meaningful work. One reporter expressed frustration that the agency does not even have “a common recorder” to gather news stories effectively.

Another journalist accused Minister Piah of barring him from entering the conference hall during the regular press briefing, simply because he inquired about the deplorable state of the agency. “Under Minister Piah, the Liberia News Agency is dead. No logistics, no transportation, and our salary remain very low,” the reporters complained.

The aggrieved workers also disclosed that the LINA news website has been down for over a year without any effort by the Ministry to restore it, a situation they say undermines the agency’s mandate to disseminate government information.

The workers called on the Liberia National Legislature to intervene and provide clarity on how the money placed in the budget is been spend.

LINA workers alleged that the minister of information has on numerous occasions refer to them as collaborator of the George Weah Administration.

LINA, Liberia’s official news service, is responsible for writing and promoting government activities. However, workers say the agency has been left to deteriorate “in broad daylight” while senior officials of the Boakai administration prefer to communicate through alternative platforms they personally control.

Thursday’s protest marks the second public demonstration within a government communication institution. Months earlier, employees of the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) also staged a protest over similar grievances.

The protesters referenced previous comments allegedly made by Minister Piah, in which he reportedly described LINA as “a mere agency,” suggesting that its role in promoting government activities is insignificant, a characterization the workers strongly reject.

The protest by LINA’s workers has raised eyebrow over coordination within government ministries and agencies. As of press time, Minister Piah had not responded to the allegations.

Alphonso Toweh

Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets  including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and  did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters 
 He holds first  MA with honors in International  Relations and a  candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict  Resolution from the University of Liberia.