04/07/2026
PUL Bassa Chapter Coordinator Condemns Local Officials for Skipping First Annual Convention
BUCHANAN, GRAND BASSA COUNTY — The newly inducted Coordinator of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), Grand Bassa Chapter, Elton W. Tiah, has expressed profound disappointment regarding the lack of support from local county authorities and the Grand Bassa Legislative Caucus following the conclusion of the chapter’s first-ever convention.
The convention, which brought together media practitioners from all five electoral districts of Grand Bassa County, was held to solidify the union’s agenda and address challenges facing the local press. However, despite being officially invited, members of the county’s legislative caucus and local administrative leadership failed to attend or send official representatives to the event.
Addressing scores of journalists gathered at the convention, Mr. Tiah did not mince his words, characterizing the absence of the county's leadership as a "disservice and disrespect" to the media landscape of Grand Bassa.
"It is disheartening that after receiving formal invitations, our leaders chose to ignore this significant event," Mr. Tiah stated. "If it were their own programs, they would compel media practitioners to attend, even if it were raining. This double standard is unacceptable."
Mr. Tiah emphasized that the media plays a crucial role in the development and accountability of the county, and he argued that the refusal to engage with the press union signals a disregard for the Fourth Estate.
Looking toward the future of his tenure, the Coordinator warned that the media-leadership relationship in the county is at a crossroads. He explicitly stated that under his leadership, and with the full backing of his colleagues, the PUL Bassa Chapter would adopt a firmer stance. He cautioned that if the pattern of disregard persists, the media organization will be forced to re-evaluate its cooperation with the county authority.
"The media will have serious issues with the county authority if this trend of disrespect continues," Tiah concluded.
The convention, despite the lack of attendance from government officials, was marked by a keynote address delivered by Mr. Elias Shiniyin, Manager Director, Africa Development Management Associates. The President and his leadership of the Press Union of Liberia also graced the occasion.
