Minister Kruah Calls for Stronger Partnerships to Transform Sports and Talent Development.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Atty. Cornelia W. Kruah has outlined her vision for sports development in Liberia, centered on decentralization, accountability, and stronger collaboration with national federations during a series of acquaintance and courtesy meetings at her office at the SKD Sports Complex in Paynesville.

In separate engagements with the Liberia Football Association (LFA) and the Liberia Basketball Federation (LBF), the Minister emphasized the importance of aligning the Ministry’s vision with the development agendas of national federations to strengthen talent identification, youth empowerment, and sustainable sports growth nationwide.

Speaking on behalf of the LFA, President Mustapha Raji welcomed the opportunity for cooperation and outlined major challenges facing the Federation, including significant local and international debts, sustainable financing for national teams, high accommodation costs, and the lack of key logistics such as a team bus. He also disclosed that the LFA has submitted a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to the Ministry to clarify responsibilities, including operational transparency and standards for players' per diem.

The LFA President further reported progress in grassroots competitions across nine counties, expansion plans for additional counties, and the growth of school and women’s football programs.
He also said LFA has secured support from FIFA Forward Funds for investments over the next three to four years in infrastructure, football development, coaching, and referee training. He indicated that the LFA plans to expand the installation of artificial turf pitches nationwide and requested guidance from the Ministry on priority areas.

During discussions with the LFA, Minister Kruah stressed that meaningful collaboration must be anchored on talent development, which she described as a central priority for the Ministry. She noted that while listening to the LFA President's presentation, she carefully assessed areas where the LFA’s proposals align with the Ministry’s vision and where stronger partnerships can be built.
Minister Kruah emphasized the importance of partnerships in organizing a more impactful National County Sports Meet that prioritizes talent identification and long-term player development.
She indicated that while the Ministry values the LFA’s role, the event should remain a collaborative effort involving the Ministry, the LFA, and the Liberia Tourism Commission, with clearly defined responsibilities.

The Minister requested that the LFA resubmit detailed documentation of its outstanding debts with supporting records to enable verification and possible government engagement. She also disclosed that the Ministry has begun reviewing existing Memoranda of Understanding to ensure they serve the best interests of the Government and the Ministry.

In a similar meeting with the Liberia Basketball Federation, Minister Kruah reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to decentralizing youth and sports programs to identify hidden talents across the country and strengthen sports infrastructure and policy guidance for federations receiving government support.

As part of new accountability measures, she announced that federations benefiting from government funding will be required to submit annual work plans outlining proposed activities and projected expenditures, with periodic review meetings to assess progress and ensure alignment with national priorities.

Meanwhile, officials of the Liberia Basketball Federation, headed by Yanquah Bosay, congratulated the Minister for the acquaintance meeting, which is important to understand the problems faced by the Liberia Basketball Federation.
Mr. Bosay highlighted key challenges, including financial constraints, debt burdens, delayed reimbursements, and limited funding for international competitions, and resource constraints, which may force the Basketball Federation to reduce participation in the tournament and focus primarily on the youth category.

The Minister disclosed that the Ministry is also challenged with logistical issues and reallocating funds because the Ministry’s budget stands at approximately US$9.1 million, with about US$2.1 million allocated to grants for all the different federations, including the sports federation, but pledged improved coordination in addressing pending requests. She encouraged the Federation to pursue external partnerships and donor support, assuring them of the Ministry’s endorsement for credible proposals, and proposed the development of an MOU focused on talent development and nationwide decentralization.

Minister Kruah also revealed that the Ministry is preparing a National Sports Strategy that will be shared with federations for input before finalization.
Both meetings ended with a shared commitment to stronger cooperation, improved accountability, and innovative partnerships to advance sports development, talent growth, and youth empowerment across Liberia.