By: Staff Writer
MONROVIA – The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) is calling on the authorities of Grand Gedeh County—particularly the Office of the Superintendent—to unconditionally guarantee the safety of journalists and media workers at Smile FM, a community radio station based in Zwedru.
The PUL’s call comes in response to a violent attack on the station in the early hours of Monday, May 5, 2025, allegedly carried out by individuals acting under the orders of Superintendent Alex Grant.
“During the attack, Smile FM Broadcast Technician Cyrus Gbeway was beaten and dragged, resulting in damage to his mobile phone, a Tecno Spark,” the PUL stated. “Alarmingly, police officers—acting on Superintendent Grant’s instructions—have seized control of the only community radio station in Grand Gedeh County, barred staff from entering, and effectively shut down its broadcasts.”
The PUL emphasized that this action has denied residents of Grand Gedeh access to reliable, timely, and essential information.
“It is time for the local authorities in Grand Gedeh to halt their assault on Smile FM and its media workers, and to immediately reopen the station without conditions,” said PUL President Julius Kanubah. “This will allow journalists to fulfill their critical role in disseminating information, fostering dialogue, and holding those in power accountable—free from fear or interference.”
This troubling situation unfolds just days after the PUL, alongside government officials, civil society groups, and human rights advocates, celebrated World Press Freedom Day.
The station’s management has publicly accused Superintendent Grant of orchestrating the attack and illegally establishing a parallel Board of Directors, which then appointed an Acting Station Manager.
Superintendent Grant, however, denied the allegations in discussions with the PUL. He confirmed the establishment of a new Board of Directors, which appointed an Acting Station Manager and removed journalist Solo Uriah Lewis from his role.
Grant also admitted that he instructed police to assume control of the station and implement a temporary shutdown based on intelligence suggesting that some community members were planning to install Mr. Randolp Yonkpao Saydee as Acting Station Manager.
“Both Superintendent Grant and the individuals involved in the incident agree that the former Board of Advisors, led by Madam Jesadeh G. Barzon, has been replaced, and that journalist Solo Uriah Lewis was removed by the new Board, now chaired by Madam Watchen Ophelia Boley,” the PUL stated.
The Press Union noted it has received multiple documents indicating the existence of two rival Boards and two individuals claiming to be Station Manager at Smile FM—pointing to a broader scheme aimed at taking over the station.
The PUL argues that this development appears to be a politically motivated effort to undermine the station’s independence, credibility, and operations. It is now calling on the central government to rein in Superintendent Grant and prevent further interference, noting that Smile FM is not a government-owned entity.
“To help resolve the situation, the PUL is working to mediate between the parties involved, as journalists and media workers at Smile FM continue to live in fear amid ongoing harassment and intimidation,” the statement concluded.
