By: Matu Cole
Tubmanburg, Bomi County – The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), in collaboration with the Western Region Journalists Association, has concluded a two-day capacity-building training aimed at enhancing tax awareness and public engagement through the media.
Held from June 20–21, 2025, in Tubmanburg, the training brought together over twenty journalists from Bomi, Gbarpolu, and Grand Cape Mount Counties. It was conducted under the theme, “Enhancing Tax Awareness and Public Engagement.”
The training focused on deepening journalists’ understanding of tax policies, reporting on tax-related issues, and engaging the public in discussions around domestic resource mobilization. It also sought to empower media practitioners to become effective advocates for tax compliance and public accountability.
Speaking during the training, D. Kaihenneh Sengbeh, Manager for Communication, Media, and Public Affairs at the LRA, noted that the initiative forms part of the Authority’s broader 2025 communication strategy. He emphasized the media’s critical role in demystifying tax concepts and promoting informed public discourse on taxation.
“This initiative marks the first of its kind under our media and public engagement plan,” Sengbeh stated. “We are not just building capacity — we are empowering local journalists to serve as tax ambassadors in their communities.”
Participants engaged in interactive sessions on taxation, the media’s role in fostering compliance, and techniques for effective tax reporting. The training featured lectures, group discussions, and experience-sharing exercises that allowed journalists to explore creative approaches to public engagement on tax issues.
Meloshe Roberts, Chairperson of the Western Region Journalists Association, lauded the LRA for its continued partnership with regional journalists. He praised the decentralization of media empowerment efforts and recalled the Authority’s support during the association’s Second General Assembly in Gbarpolu County in 2024.“We are grateful to the LRA for ensuring that journalists outside of Monrovia are not left behind,” Roberts said. “This training demonstrates a real commitment to strengthening local journalism as a tool for national development.”
Participants described the training as timely and impactful, saying it enhanced their understanding of tax systems and the importance of domestic revenue generation. Many pledged to increase coverage of tax-related stories within their respective communities.
The training ended with the presentation of certificates to participants, symbolizing a renewed partnership between the media and the LRA in promoting public interest journalism and national development through tax awareness.---
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