Emerging investigative journalist Archie Boan has been named First Runner-Up at the 3rd Annual Youth Media Action (YMA) Young Journalist of the Year Awards.
The ceremony recognizes Liberia’s most promising young reporters whose work demonstrates creativity, courage, and impact in media.
Boan, whose journalism journey began at the M. Nixon Garlo Evangelical Lutheran High School press club in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, has steadily risen through Liberia’s media ranks. He went on to co-found Youth for Peace at Smile FM 98.6, a platform dedicated to mentoring aspiring journalists, before entering professional reporting in 2019 at Flash FM 102.2, where he served as reporter, studio supervisor, and sub-editor. He is currently furthering his craft at the Peter Quaqua School of Journalism.
At this year’s awards, Boan was recognized for his bold and incisive reporting particularly his groundbreaking investigative piece that exposed an alleged rape involving a former government official and a 14-year-old survivor.
His entry impressed the judges for its depth, sensitivity, and commitment to uncovering truth in the public interest.
In reflecting on his achievement, Boan said the recognition “fuels my commitment to investigative journalism and reinforces my belief in accountability and ethical reporting as pillars of good governance and social justice in Liberia.” His long-term ambition remains to become one of Liberia’s leading investigative journalists.
The Youth Media Action Young Journalist Awards were established to provide platforms, training, and recognition to aspiring young Liberian journalists, giving them opportunities to showcase outstanding work in print, broadcast, and multimedia formats. The initiative has been supported by organizations committed to media development and youth empowerment across the country.
