-Sports Writers Chief Says Achievements Were Underreported At The Time
By Mark N. Mengonfia Liberians are offering mixed reactions to the performance of the Ministry of Youth and Sports under former Minister Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu, acknowledging reported achievements while criticizing what they describe as poor public communication.
The ministry’s key deliverables, covering March 2024 to Jan. 21, 2026, were recently read on OK FM by journalist Clarence Jackson.
The report outlines reforms in policy, youth development, skills training and sports, but critics say many of the accomplishments were not widely communicated during the minister’s tenure.
The ministry developed and launched a five-year strategic plan and validated policies on procurement, human resources, finance, monitoring and evaluation, and asset management.
A draft bill to formally establish the Ministry of Youth and Sports was also prepared and forwarded to the Office of the President.
In terms of infrastructure and administration, more than 30 acres of ministry-owned land were repossessed, including property near the Right to Play facility, a blueprint for a permanent headquarters was developed, with the proposed site at the former Camp Coleman Barracks, opposite the SKD Sports Complex.
Salary adjustments were implemented for senior staff, 24 volunteers were employed, and five employees completed training in China.
Additionally, the ministry introduced entrepreneurship and livelihood support programs and launched the National Youth Policy (2025-2030) and the National Youth Peace and Security Action Plan (2026).
According to the report, 400 youths across five counties received seed capital, while 124 recovering at-risk youths were supported with business start-up grants.
Through the National Cadet Program, 530 youths, including 20 persons with disabilities, benefited, while 240 youths were employed through the Labor-Intensive Public Works program.
Moreover, the Back-to-School Initiative supported 1,000 students with learning materials. Hundreds of youths completed computer literacy and numeracy programs in several counties, while more than 1,100 adolescents, 93% of them female, were enrolled in the A4AD program.
Under the At-Risk Youth Empowerment Program, youth-led dispute resolution forums were established nationwide, with hundreds of at-risk youths receiving rehabilitation, reintegration and food support.
Talking about TVET and Skills Training, three technical and vocational education and training institutions were operational nationwide, supported by partnerships with local and international organizations.
More than 1,200 trainees graduated from the Monrovia Vocational Training Center, while additional youths completed training in agriculture, fashion design, hospitality and other trades.
The Liberia TVET Commission Act of 2024 was passed by the House of Representatives and is currently before the Senate.
In sports development, the report says a National Sports Strategy was developed, and for the first time, the Liberia National Former Football Players Association and the Liberia National Olympic Committee were included in the national budget, each receiving $25,000.
Sports infrastructure upgrades included digital floodlights at the SKD Sports Complex, construction of mini-pitches under the FIFA Arena Project and the upgrade of Gompa Stadium to FIFA standards.
Liberia also hosted regional sporting events and improved its international sports participation.Despite the reported achievements, public opinion remains divided.
“I believe that the Ministry under the former Minister did well, but the problem with them is communication. If all of the things they have reported were achieved, why didn’t people hear much about it” Jefferson Tengba, told The Local Daily.”
“Some of these things are lies only intended to save his face from shame. How can you be Youth and Sports Minister and the young people you represent do not even know you?” James Kessellie asked a rhetorical question.
Varmah Kamara is the president of Sports Writers of Liberia(SWAL) who strongly believes that Cllr. Cole Bangalu made a commendable contribution to sports development, particularly through the organization of the two National County Sports Meets.
“One notable innovation was the introduction of a round robin format at the quarterfinal stage, an unprecedented move in the history of the competition” Mr. Kamara told The Local Daily via telephone interview.
He admitted that the change at the Ministry received limited publicity due to the Ministry’s engagement with the sports media at the time.
The Sports Writers president said, “For years, counties battled through the preliminary rounds only to face elimination in a single quarterfinal fixture.”
He hopes that under the new format the incoming minister will sustain where counties were afforded a second chance, promoting fairness, competitiveness, and greater excitement in the tournament.
