Once celebrated as the voice of the people in Liberia’s community radio sector, Voice of Grand Kru 98.1 FM, the county’s only community radio station, is battling to stay on air after years of neglect, unfulfilled promises, and insufficient support from local and national authorities.
Founded to inform, unite, and empower residents across Grand Kru, the station has struggled since 2016 with failing equipment, unpaid staff, and a deteriorating facility. Optimism soared in 2018 when then-President George Weah, a native of the county, pledged to construct a modern station during a county visit. Seven years later, that promise remains unmet.
The station went completely off-air between 2020 and 2023 as equipment broke down, facilities crumbled, and staff went unpaid for over six years. A small group of volunteers, however, kept the station alive through sheer dedication.
In 2023, Internews Liberia intervened, installing solar panels and donating essential equipment, including a transmitter, mini mixer, and computers. While these efforts allowed Voice of Grand Kru to return to the airwaves, many challenges persist. The building remains in poor condition, with broken furniture, no air conditioning, and only two functioning computers. Reporters lack motorbikes to cover stories in remote communities, limiting the station’s reach.
Ironically, despite being the county’s only public broadcaster, Voice of Grand Kru has been overshadowed by private radio stations owned by politicians who once promised support. Former Speaker Fonati Koffa runs Ahteenah Radio 102.5 FM, former Senate Pro Tempore Albert T. Chea operates Grandcess Radio 94.9 FM, and Representative Nathaniel Barway manages Trehn Radio in Garraway. Reports indicate Senator Numene Bartekwa also plans to launch his own station soon.
Despite its struggles, Voice of Grand Kru remains a crucial platform, relied upon by politicians during campaigns but largely neglected once the microphones go silent. The station continues to hope that long-promised support will finally arrive, allowing it to reclaim its role as the true voice of Grand Kru.