On Friday, June 30, 2023, the Liberia Fact-Checking Network was officially launched at the Office of Internews in Liberia. The launch brought together U.S Embassy Representative, Executives of Political Parties, Civil Society Organizations, Official of National Elections Commission, Journalists and University Students. The Network comprises three institutions: Campaigners against misinfo and disinfo in Liberia, The Stage Media and Local Voices Liberia including other individual fact-checkers.
Mr. Jefferson Massah, Deputy Chief of Party at Internews Liberia served as the Guest Speaker and Chief Launcher at the launch. Mr. Massah urged partner institutions to use their own resources for now in order to make the network very vibrant in Liberia. According to him, when this is done, other things will begin to fall in place.
Taweh Johnson, Deputy Head of Secretariat and Official Spokesperson of the Liberia Fact-Checking Network read the Official Statement of the network at the launch. Besides, Taweh Johnson is the Executive Director of Campaigners against misinfo and disinfo in Liberia. According to the statement, We are observant. We keep an eye on the media to identify false information and expose disinformation campaigns. For the benefit of society, accuracy in public discourse must be maintained. This election season, we cordially ask you to join the fight against the dissemination of false information. You owe it to the people you hope to represent to make sure they have access to proper information and are not misled or intimidated when they go to the polls. Again, we will strive to be dispassionate and non-partisan, drawing attention to inaccurate statements on both sides, including those made by now-independent candidates. Elections are not a life-and-death situation. Do it now, for future generations.
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