By Stephanie M. Duncan
MONROVIA, Liberia – The Copyright Society of Liberia (COSOL) has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of Liberia’s creative community by providing Independence Packages to 300 registered right holders as part of activities marking the country’s 179th Independence Day celebration.
The initiative brought together writers, musicians, filmmakers, photographers, artists, and other creative professionals whose works continue to contribute to Liberia’s cultural and artistic development.
Speaking during a brief ceremony before the distribution of the packages, Hon. Clarence H. Cole, Head of the Copyright and Related Rights Department at the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) and Chairperson of the Copyright Society of Liberia Board, called on members of the creative industry to remain united despite the challenges confronting the sector.
The event began with a moment of silence in honor of two respected figures in Liberia’s creative community, Ministers Anita Barclay and Miracle A. Kettor, whose recent deaths have left the industry in mourning.
Hon. Cole described the occasion as an opportunity to strengthen solidarity among creators while reaffirming the Board’s commitment to improving the governance of the Society.
He said the Board remains fully supportive of the Executive Director and the management of LIPO in their efforts to regularize staff credentials and contractual obligations within COSOL.
“Every institution must have personnel who are willing to be held accountable. It is the responsibility of the Board to support efforts that promote transparency, professionalism, and good governance in the best interest of our right holders,” Cole said.
He also extended Independence Day greetings to members, urging them to celebrate Liberia’s independence with prayers for peace, unity, and shared prosperity for both the creative community and the nation.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Society, COSOL Executive Director Doegbazee Zaza thanked members for their continued confidence in his leadership since assuming office in February.
He said his tenure has provided valuable opportunities to better understand the needs of Liberia’s creative industry while building partnerships that will strengthen the protection of creators’ rights.
Zaza assured members that the Society is putting stronger systems in place to ensure right holders receive their fair and equitable share of benefits generated through copyright management.
“This responsibility is one I do not take lightly. We remain committed to building a Society that works for every creator,” he said.
He explained that the Independence Package initiative was intended as a gesture of appreciation and solidarity with right holders at a time when copyright compliance and enforcement remain major challenges in Liberia.
The Executive Director also disclosed that COSOL will soon launch a nationwide copyright compliance and inspection exercise aimed at strengthening enforcement of copyright laws and promoting greater respect for the intellectual property rights of creators.
The distribution of packages to 300 beneficiaries underscores the Society’s continued efforts to support Liberia’s creative professionals while advancing its mandate to protect intellectual property, promote fairness, and improve the livelihoods of right holders across the country.
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