By: Julius Konton
As Liberia prepares for a pivotal leadership election within its football fraternity, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Cornelia Kruah, has issued a strong appeal for unity, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law within the country’s most popular sport.
Speaking at the Congress of the Liberia Football Association (LFA), Minister Kruah urged stakeholders to place national cohesion above political rivalry, warning that division could undermine football’s historic role as a unifying force in Liberia.
“Let us ensure that politics does not erode the unity that football is known to promote,” she emphasized.
“The laws, policies, and rules that govern the LFA must be respected at all times.”
The remarks mark Minister Kruah’s first official engagement with the LFA since assuming leadership of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, signaling a renewed government commitment to reform and growth in the sports sector.
Football’s Unifying Power in Liberia
Football remains Liberia’s most widely followed sport, cutting across ethnic, political, and social divides.
The LFA, founded in 1936 and affiliated with FIFA since 1964, oversees more than 40 registered clubs, national leagues, and youth development programs across the country.
With an estimated 65 percent of Liberia’s population under the age of 25, according to national demographic data, football continues to serve as a critical platform for youth engagement, talent discovery, and social mobility.
Minister Kruah stressed that peaceful elections within the LFA are essential not only for good governance, but also for safeguarding opportunities for thousands of young Liberians aspiring to professional careers in sports.
Government Commends LFA Leadership
During her address, the Minister commended Mustapha Raji, President of the LFA, and his administration for what she described as “steadfast leadership and meaningful contributions” to the advancement of football in Liberia.
Under the current LFA leadership, Liberia has seen improvements in domestic league organization, youth competitions, and increased participation in CAF and FIFA tournaments, despite persistent challenges related to infrastructure and funding.
Infrastructure, Youth, and Women at the Center of New Policy Direction
Minister Kruah outlined a broad policy vision centered on sports infrastructure development, youth talent cultivation, and gender inclusion.
She pledged that her tenure would prioritize:
Expansion and rehabilitation of sports facilities nationwide
Structured youth talent development programs
Increased government support for grassroots and school sports
Greater inclusion of women and girls in football and other sporting disciplines
Women’s football in Liberia, though growing, remains underrepresented, accounting for less than 15 percent of organized football participation, according to recent sports development assessments.
Minister Kruah said reversing this trend would be a key priority of her administration.
A Call for Responsible Leadership
As the LFA election approaches, the Minister called on delegates, candidates, and supporters to demonstrate maturity and sportsmanship, reminding them that football governance must reflect transparency, fairness, and national interest.
“Football must continue to inspire hope, discipline, and unity especially for our young people,” she concluded.
Observers say the Minister’s message sets a conciliatory tone at a critical moment and underscores the government’s intent to work collaboratively with sporting institutions to strengthen Liberia’s sports sector as a pillar of national development.
