ipnews: Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT), Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, has come under public scrutiny after openly praising his Deputy Minister for Press and Public Affairs, Daniel O. Sando, for what he described as a “strong and loyal defense” of the Boakai administration.
Minister Piah’s remarks, made during a regular MICAT press briefing upon his return to office, were intended to commend his deputy for “ably holding the torch” in his absence.
However, the comments have ignited fresh criticism from civil society, opposition figures, and members of the public who view them as an endorsement of the government’s increasingly confrontational communication tone.
“Let me firstly thank Minister Sando, who has been holding onto the torch in my absence,” Piah stated.
“I believe the Deputy Minister has done well in performing his duties as assigned by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.”
While some within MICAT and the ruling establishment see Sando as a loyal and assertive spokesperson, critics argue that his combative media style undermines the administration’s credibility and damages public trust.
Sando has repeatedly drawn backlash for his fiery exchanges on radio, television, and social media, where he often lashes out at opposition figures, including former President George Weah and opposition leader Alexander B. Cummings.
“Minister Piah should be promoting civility, not celebrating aggression,” said a civil society activist in Monrovia.
“Public communication is about respect, transparency, and professionalism—not insults and propaganda.”
Political analyst Edward Gaye described Piah’s remarks as “a defensive posture from an administration struggling to manage its public image,” adding that
“the government seems more focused on countering critics than addressing the real issues Liberians care about rising prices, unemployment, and weak accountability.”
The controversy surrounding Piah’s comments has reignited broader questions about the Boakai administration’s communication strategy, which many Liberians see as divisive and overly politicized.
Observers note that instead of using MICAT’s platform to foster dialogue and transparency, the ministry often appears to prioritize damage control and partisan rhetoric.
Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe of Bomi County expressed disappointment that the Ministry’s regular press briefings are increasingly being used as platforms for “personal attacks and insults against citizens,” warning that such practices “undermine the integrity of government communication.”
Minister Piah, however, dismissed the criticism, saying, “I don’t expect everyone to agree with everything he does or says.
When you can do everything perfectly, then you are an angel and I’m not sure any of us here are angels. Overall, Minister Sando has been standing firm and doing what he’s assigned to do.”
But for many, Piah’s defense only reinforces a growing perception that loyalty not professionalismis the dominant standard within the Ministry.
As Liberia grapples with economic hardship, corruption allegations, and waning public confidence, analysts warn that the administration’s communication missteps could further erode its moral authority and alienate frustrated citizens.
If the Ministry of Information continues to prioritize combative defense over constructive engagement, critics say, it risks turning a vital institution of national communication into a stage for political theatrics rather than public accountability. By Amos Harris
