Africa-Press – Liberia. –The Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, Jerolinmek Mathew Piah, has raised alarm over what he described as a growing trend of misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric, warning that some Liberians appear to be fueling tensions that could destabilize the country and strain relations with neighboring states.
Speaking on Tuesday, March 31, during a regular press briefing at the Ministry of Information in Monrovia, Minister Piah said the government is concerned about statements and actions by certain individuals, including public officials, that risk undermining peace and national unity.
According to him, the spread of unverified information, particularly on sensitive national issues such as border disputes, is dangerous and could contribute to unnecessary conflict.
“What do you wish to see when you do these things. Sometimes when you hear something and you do not have the answer, ask questions. But to be running with misinformation so confidently in a country that is supposed to be yours is strange. You cannot hate your own country to this level. It is bad and it must stop,” the Minister warned.
He added that the government believes such actions are part of a broader pattern of misinformation that has characterized recent developments surrounding the Liberia–Guinea border situation.
Although Minister Piah did not directly name individuals, his remarks come in the wake of controversial statements made by Montserrado County District 10 Representative, Yekeh Kolubah, a known critic of the ruling Unity Party–led administration of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai.
Representative Kolubah recently sparked public debate after claiming, during an appearance on Spoon TV, that a disputed area along the Liberia–Guinea border belongs to Guinea.
His comments, particularly regarding the Sorlumba area in Lofa County, have drawn strong criticism from fellow lawmakers, who argue that such assertions undermine Liberia’s territorial integrity.
Addressing the broader implications of such statements, Minister Piah stressed that national leaders have a responsibility to promote unity and avoid actions that could inflame tensions.
“Liberia has endured a long and difficult history, and we must not allow reckless statements, misinformation, and politically driven narratives to reverse the gains we have made in peace and stability. Those who occupy positions of public trust must understand that their words carry weight, and that weight must be used to build confidence, not to create fear, suspicion, and unnecessary division among our people,” Minister Piah said.
He further emphasized that Liberia, now over 178 years old, continues to face significant development challenges, including gaps in basic social services. However, he noted that the government is actively working to address these issues through systematic and strategic interventions.
“And doing so, we have to step beyond boundaries to ensure availability while seeking permanent solutions for the most basic social services,” he stated.
The Minister also highlighted ongoing challenges in the country’s energy sector, describing it as one of the most underdeveloped areas requiring urgent attention. He noted that successive efforts by the Unity Party–led administration have aimed at improving electricity generation and distribution.
“Remember, in the UP-led administration, after the war destroyed the previous hydro, the current one was built. The same administration reestablished the Bushrod Island Power Plant with heavy fuel oil to complement the hydro. These were critical steps, but they are still not enough to meet the growing demand,” he explained.
Minister Piah disclosed that Liberia currently benefits from electricity imports under the West African Power Pool through the CLSG interconnection, receiving approximately 50 megawatts from Ivory Coast and about 25 megawatts from Guinea. He clarified that these supplies are paid for by the Government of Liberia and are not provided as aid.
He further explained that recent fluctuations in power supply from Guinea are linked to technical and maintenance issues in the region, not political tensions.
According to him, one of Ivory Coast’s major power generation sources, which produces about 200 megawatts, is undergoing routine maintenance, thereby affecting regional supply dynamics.
As a result, Guinea has adjusted its supply to Liberia, providing about 20 megawatts at night, while daytime supply remains inconsistent until maintenance work is completed.
Minister Piah strongly rejected claims circulating on social media suggesting that Guinea had reduced electricity supply to Liberia as a direct consequence of the border situation.
“It is deeply troubling that some citizens would deliberately misinform the public by linking technical energy supply challenges to political tensions at the border. This kind of narrative is not only false, but it is also harmful to national cohesion and diplomatic relations. We must be responsible in how we communicate, especially on issues that have the potential to affect regional peace and cooperation,” he stated.
The Information Minister urged public officials to refrain from making inflammatory statements, stressing that leadership must be exercised with caution and responsibility, particularly on sensitive national matters.
“National leaders are drivers of solution, not originators of conflict, and public statements must reflect unity and stability at all times,” he said.
He also called on Liberians to place national interest above political affiliations, emphasizing the need for collective efforts in preserving peace and stability.
According to Minister Piah, Liberia’s progress depends on unity, responsible leadership, and a shared commitment to truth and national development. He warned that divisive rhetoric and misinformation not only undermine government efforts, but also threaten the country’s long-term peace and democratic stability.
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