The Legislative Press Pool (LEGISPOOL) the body of journalists accredited to cover the Liberian Legislature officially inducted its new leadership on Wednesday, marking what many described as a “turning point” for the institution and for legislative journalism in Liberia.
The colorful ceremony, held at the PUL headquarters on 9th Street Sinkor, brought together members of the National Legislature, the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), senior media executives, and dozens of journalists. The event was characterized by calls for professionalism, unity, and a renewed commitment to responsible legislative reporting.
Delivering his inaugural address, newly inducted President Emmanuel T. J. Kollie promised sweeping reforms aimed at transforming LEGISPOOL into “a vibrant, professional, and respected media body that reflects the highest standards of responsible journalism.”
“Today, we turn a new page in the story of LEGISPOOL a story of resilience, renewal, and rebirth,” Kollie declared. “We will rebrand and reposition LEGISPOOL, not as spectators, but as partners in shaping Liberia’s democratic future.”
Kollie, who began his journalism career eight years ago as a community radio announcer, said his administration’s Four-Point Agenda for Transformation will focus on professional development, institutional strengthening, visibility and engagement, and member welfare.
He announced several committee appointments, including a Constitutional Review Committee chaired by Prince Mulbah of Prime FM, and a Welfare Committee headed by Grace Bryant-Mollay, to review LEGISPOOL’s constitution, improve member benefits, and strengthen its internal structures.
“Our vision is clear,” he emphasized. “We will review and modernize our constitution, create a digital communication platform, and introduce a code of conduct that guides our operations and protects our collective integrity.”
Speaking on behalf of the Press Union of Liberia, President Julius Kanubah urged the new LEGISPOOL leadership to uphold the core values of the journalism profession integrity, accuracy, and impartiality.
“The task is now upon you to steer the affairs of LEGISPOOL in keeping with the fundamental values of the institution,” Smith said. “Serve with humility, dignity, and professionalism. Be servant leaders who serve your colleagues, not the other way around.”
He reminded journalists to focus on public interest journalism, stressing that the media must continue to expose corruption, inequality, and poverty in order to drive social change.
“Unless we continue to report on those issues, they will continue to exist,” he cautioned.
Delivering the keynote address, Senator Crayton Oldman Duncan of Sinoe County challenged journalists to expand their investigative lens beyond corruption scandals and look at deeper issues of resource exploitation and economic injustice.
“The government gives away our resources for decades and the people benefit nothing,” Duncan said passionately. “You as journalists must expose this illness not just who is corrupt, but why our natural wealth continues to leave the country without changing lives.”
He warned that focusing only on political scandals while ignoring concession agreements and foreign exploitation keeps Liberia trapped in poverty.
“Corruption accounts for only 20% of our suffering,” Duncan argued. “The remaining 80% lies in how our resources are stolen under the guise of international best practices. If you control that 80%, the rest will take care of itself.”
The senator called on journalists covering the Legislature to “wake up and fight collectively” against exploitation by demanding transparency in new oil and mining agreements.
