Micat Breaks Down as Lina Staff Accuse Management of Neglect

The Information Minister, Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, became angry on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, during a standard press conference held by th...

The Information Minister, Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, became angry on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, during a standard press conference held by the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism.

The outburst came after a staff member from the Liberia News Agency (LINA) alleged that the Ministry of Information's leadership had overlooked the agency, even though it received a government-funded budget.

During the meeting, the employee asked the minister if LINA, a government-owned organization comparable to the Liberia Broadcasting System, had a budget and why the allocated funds had not resulted in improved operational assistance, such as logistics for journalists.

An employee claimed that journalists from the agency frequently had to purchase their own scratch cards and arrange their own transportation to report on government events, stating that logistical support was unavailable under the current administration.

In reply, Minister Piah strongly rejected the allegations, pointing out that LINA is not an independent body from the Ministry of Information. He stated that he is only familiar with the ministry's budget, which he mentioned includes all departments and agencies under MICAT, but added that he is unaware of any specific funding allocated to LINA.

The minister also condemned the former administration for establishing a distinct agency within the ministry and designating a Director General who allegedly failed to comply with ministry guidelines. "You violated the law by appointing a Director General when LINA was not an independent or self-governing body. LINA is similar to any department under the Ministry of Information, and it should be subject to ministry rules. Reinstating the law is something some of you struggle to accept," Minister Piah stated.

He refuted allegations that LINA possesses a budget, saying, "The ministry has a budget that covers all individuals within the ministry. I am not aware of anything referred to as a 'LINA budget.' If you are employed here and have issues, use the appropriate procedures."

When questioned about why the agency has not been receiving the necessary resources to operate, the minister did not provide a straightforward response. Rather, he referenced the Weah administration, saying:

"When we entered, the building where you were operating was in bad shape, with insufficient chairs and amenities. Look at your current situation. Now you wish to answer questions from people during press briefings. This place was terrible, and I improved it," he remarked.

Nevertheless, sources from LINA refuted the minister's claim, stating that although the agency possesses a budget, previous and current ministers have frequently redirected the funds, with the agency "serving as a minister's personal dining spot."

The sources mentioned that the Agency's budget is reportedly more than USD$350,000 and has been mentioned in the budgets from 2022 to 2025. However, it has not yet been released to the agency under Piah's, leading staff to rely on their own funds for operational expenses like travel and communication.

"We haven't received a single cent from the minister. The agency is facing difficulties, and the staff are enduring hardships," a source stated.

After the briefing, Minister Piah is said to have summoned the employee and LINA's management to his office. Efforts to gather information about the meeting from agency staff were unsuccessful, as they refused to speak on the matter. This publication remains committed to following up to determine the results of that meeting.

In the meantime, the Liberia News Agency (LINA) functions directly under the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT). As the government's official news source, its activities, financial support, and editorial direction are strongly connected to the ministry.

In reality, this connection implies that LINA is accountable to the Ministry of Information and adheres to the government's directives regarding the distribution of news. It issues press statements, speeches, and declarations from governmental figures, such as the President and different departments.

It also serves as a link between the government and other media outlets, delivering confirmed official information, and aids in public communication efforts by keeping citizens informed about government initiatives and regulations.

In essence, LINA serves as the government's main channel for distributing official news and information.

Although they have their roles, this publication has found out that the agency is not getting financial support from the ministry. This has led to further issues, such as the agency's website being unavailable for several days and delays in uploading new information.

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Tagged: Liberia, Governance, Press and Media, West Africa

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