Once a proud voice of the people, Voice of Grand Kru 98.1 FM the county’s only community radio station is fighting for its survival after years of neglect, broken promises, and poor support from local and national leaders.
Established to inform and unite residents across Grand Kru, the station has struggled since 2016 with failing equipment, unpaid staff, and a crumbling facility. Hopes were high in 2018 when then-President George Weah, a native of the county, pledged to construct a modern radio station during his county tour. However, seven years later, that promise remains unfulfilled.
Between 2020 and 2023, the station went completely silent. Equipment broke down, facilities deteriorated, and staff went unpaid for more than six years. Yet, a handful of volunteers kept the dream alive, continuing to serve their community out of dedication rather than pay.
A glimmer of hope came in 2023 when Internews Liberia stepped in, installing solar panels and donating a transmitter, mini mixer, desktop computer, and other basic materials. These interventions helped the station return to the airwaves, but many challenges persist.
The building remains in disrepair with broken furniture, no air conditioning, and only two functioning computers. Reporters lack motorbikes to cover stories from rural communities, severely limiting outreach.
Ironically, despite being the only public broadcaster in the county, Voice of Grand Kru has been overshadowed by privately owned stations established by the very politicians who once pledged support. Former Speaker Fonati Koffa owns Ahteenah Radio 102.5 FM, former Senate Pro Tempore Albert T. Chea operates Grandcess Radio 94.9 FM, and Representative Nathaniel Barway runs Trehn Radio in Garraway. Reports indicate that Senator Numene Bartekwa also plans to open his own station soon.
Despite these developments, Voice of Grand Kru remains the station many leaders depend on during election campaigns only to forget once the microphones go silent.
Today, the station continues to struggle under the current administration, holding on to hope that someone somewhere will finally make good on the long-promised support to restore the true voice of Grand Kru.
