By: Julius Konton
Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has commended the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) for what he described as an “unmistakable transformation” of the state broadcaster, promising increased government support as the institution expands its radio and television footprint across the country.
The Minister made the remarks during a courtesy visit by the LBS leadership, led by Director General Eugene L. Fahngon, where he praised the station’s rapid progress in strengthening national communication infrastructure.
“Good things are happening”
Minister Ngafuan, reflecting on his keynote address at the Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas (ALJA) annual gathering, emphasized the essential role the media plays in national development.
“We are happy to receive you, and we appreciate the work done so far,” the Minister said.
“Good things are happening. We need to stay focused and keep our eyes on the national goal.”
He recalled his early admiration for LBS’s Action News, noting its influence on him during childhood, and praised the current administration for what he called “visible and measurable progress.”
“Imperfect people, perfect dedication”
Minister Ngafuan stressed that national development requires commitment rather than perfection.
“Perfection belongs to God, but in our perfect imperfections, we must dedicate our minds and energy to Liberia’s forward march,” he said.
“You are transforming LBS. It is no longer the Monrovia Broadcasting System, it is truly the Liberia Broadcasting System” he reemphasized.
The Minister hailed LBS for achieving the first-ever television transmission in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, describing it as evidence of nationwide communication growth.
Budget pressures and new realities
Ngafuan disclosed that the government received over US$2 billion in budget requests from ministries and agencies for FY2025 but could only accommodate US$1.2 billion, citing limited revenue space.
Despite fiscal constraints, he assured the LBS of continued backing.
“It’s not about how much, but how well,” he said.
“You have used the little we gave you very well, and your results speak across the country. That justifies doing more.”
The Minister stated that as revenue improves through the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), the government will move toward honoring larger expenditure demands, including the needs of the state broadcaster.
“Development unites a nation”
He called for national unity around development beyond political and ideological divides.
“We can argue as a democratic nation, but we must unite around development because everybody benefits,” the Minister added.
“When we build, we unite.”
Ngafuan hinted at major government initiatives expected in 2026, saying, “Plenty good news is coming because God loves Liberia.”
LBS Reports its Most Significant Expansion in Decades
Director General Eugene L. Fahngon provided a detailed update on LBS’s operations, highlighting substantial improvements achieved just under two years.
Among the most notable accomplishments:
National Transmission Power Increased Tenfold
Radio transmission boosted from 1,000 watts to 10,000 watts, enabling nationwide broadcast directly from Monrovia.
TV coverage expanded from only Montserrado County to now include:
Bomi County
Grand Gedeh County
Grand Bassa County among others
Additional counties expected in 2026.
Fleet Expansion and Logistics
LBS grew from 1 functional bus to 11 vehicles, restoring mobility and maintenance capability for rural substations.
New substations established or under construction in:
Grand Cape Mount County
Saclepea, Nimba County
Roofing materials and equipment for additional sites are already en route.
Major Infrastructure Coming in 2026
A new TV Expansion Complex in Paynesville is nearing completion.
Two new substations expected to be dedicated next year.
LBS employees now have improved safety gear and workplace standards.
“Our fuel sometimes delays but never denies us,” Fahngon joked, crediting the Finance Ministry for unwavering support.
He said the progress of LBS is being celebrated nationwide:
“All you have heard about LBS doing well is true. The Liberian people are proud of LBS, and they are also proud of the government for supporting us.”
Meeting the President’s Mandate Ahead of Schedule
The Director General affirmed that the President’s directive for full radio and TV coverage across Liberia is already ahead of schedule.
“At the pace we are going, with your continued cooperation, by 2027 the nationwide TV and radio mandate will be fully achieved,” he said.
Fahngon appealed for increased budgetary allocation in the upcoming fiscal year to sustain and expand ongoing work.
A New Era for Public Broadcasting
The meeting between the Ministry of Finance and the Liberia Broadcasting System highlighted a new phase in the country’s media and communication sector characterized by:
Expanding national coverage
Improved technical capacity
Greater transparency in budget usage
Strengthened government-media collaboration
With more than 15 rural substations targeted and nationwide TV accessibility projected by 2027, Liberia is witnessing one of its most significant public broadcasting transformations in decades.
Editor’s Note
Liberia’s state broadcaster is undergoing one of its most ambitious transformations in recent memory, an evolution that is reshaping how information moves, how citizens stay connected, and how government and people engage across the nation’s 15 counties.
The latest interaction between the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) leadership and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning underscores not just a partnership, but a widening national conversation about the role of public media in modern state-building.
Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan’s remarks blending praise, realism, and a call for collective responsibility signal the administration’s acknowledgment that communication infrastructure is no longer a luxury; it is a pillar of national cohesion.
The Minister’s emphasis on “perfect dedication” over perfection itself reflects a broader reality: Liberia’s progress will be driven by institutions that do more with less, demonstrate accountability, and deliver measurable results.
LBS’s reported achievements tenfold increases in radio power, unprecedented rural TV penetration, fleet expansion, and infrastructural development represent tangible steps toward fulfilling a presidential mandate for nationwide coverage.
But they also highlight an important question: can the government maintain the financial commitment necessary to sustain this pace of progress amid widespread budget pressures?
With requests for over US$2 billion and only US$1.2 billion in available fiscal space, Minister Ngafuan’s assurances of continued support come at a crucial time.
The next budget cycle will test not just LBS’s momentum, but the administration’s broader priorities as it navigates competing national needs.
As Liberia looks toward 2026 and beyond with promises of “plenty good news” on the horizon, the story of LBS offers a rare example of a public institution showing visible, verifiable improvement.
Yet transparency, long-term sustainability, and balanced national development remain essential to ensure that this progress does not fade into political rhetoric.
This article captures a moment of optimism for Liberia’s public broadcasting sector but it also serves as a reminder that transformation must be accompanied by consistent investment, institutional safeguards, and a collective commitment to nation-building that outlives political cycles.
