Verity News reporter Archie Boan has received an unexpected gift from a follower in the United States, in recognition of his relentless, independepent, and investigative reporting on rape and SGBV cases across Liberia.
Boan, known for his growing influence in investigative journalism, was left overwhelmed after receiving a direct call from the supporter, who had quietly followed his work over time.
During the conversation, the caller praised Boan as “one of Liberia’s fastest-growing investigative journalists,” highlighting the significance of his recent reports exposing sexual violence.
According to Boan, the caller was particularly moved by a story involving a seven-year-old girl who was allegedly raped by an elderly man believed to be in his fifties. The report, which drew widespread attention, was described by the supporter as the turning point that deepened his connection to Boan’s work.
“He told me that story brought him closer to what I do,” Boan recounted, adding that the caller went further to describe him as one of his favorite reporters in Liberia and the best from Verity News.
In a surprising gesture, the supporter who requested anonymity gifted Boan a brand-new iPhone 11 Pro Max, despite asking not to be publicly acknowledged. The moment, Boan said, was deeply emotional.
“I won’t lie, it brought tears to my eyes,” he said. “It’s more than just a phone. It’s a reminder that the work we do truly matters.”
The gesture highlights the often unseen impact of journalism, particularly in sensitive areas such as sexual violence, where reporters risk emotional strain and public backlash to bring stories to light.
Boan’s recognition comes at a time when calls for stronger action against rape and abuse continue to grow across Liberia, with journalists playing a key role in amplifying victims’ voices and demanding accountability.
For Boan, the unexpected gift serves not just as appreciation, but as motivation.
