Under the theme “Uncovering the Facts: Strengthening Integrity Through Journalism,” the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with funding from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (UN-PBF), organized a two-day training workshop to boost investigative journalism in Liberia. The event brought together 30 journalists—two from each of the country’s 15 counties—alongside 15 civil society representatives, with sessions led by experts from the LACC, the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), UNDP, and legal and media professionals.
Veteran journalist Frank B. Sainworla Jr. guided participants on investigative reporting techniques, stressing the need for credible sources, careful fact-checking, and ethical integrity. He urged journalists to conduct thorough research and avoid corrupt practices such as “brown envelope” incentives. Media development professional Jefferson Massah introduced the role of Artificial Intelligence in investigative reporting, highlighting its ability to speed up data analysis, detect misinformation, and improve reporting accuracy.
PUL President Julius Kanubah commended the training as a valuable step in a country grappling with underdevelopment and systemic corruption, while warning about political influence over media ownership. LACC representative Vivian S. Akoto reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working with the PUL and urged participants to approach their work with courage, curiosity, and dedication to truth.
Participants also reflected on the workshop’s impact. Journalist Sarah Winnie Ellis from Voice of Sinoe Community Radio thanked the organizers, noting that the skills gained would help overcome challenges in investigative reporting. LACC Program Manager John E. Tommy described the initiative as a collective investment in public integrity, and UNDP’s Trokon Bryant emphasized the importance of joint efforts between government, civil society, and communities in building trust.
Of the 45 attendees, 12 were women, marking progress in gender inclusion. Beyond improving legal literacy and civic awareness, the workshop strengthened ties between the LACC, media institutions, and civil society. Conducted under the Social Accountability and Transparency Project—part of a Joint Rule of Law/Governance Programme supported by UNDP, UN Women, and Integrity Watch Liberia—the initiative aims to empower citizens across Liberia’s 15 counties to demand accountability and improve public service delivery.
As Liberia works to strengthen democratic governance, the training reaffirmed the critical role of investigative journalism in promoting transparency, combating corruption, and fostering an informed and engaged public.
