MONROVIA – The Liberia Chess Federation (LCF) has scheduled its General Assembly and elections for December 26–27, 2026, with three candidates now emerging in the race for the federation’s presidency.
By Thomas Kojo Roulhac, contributing writer
The two-day gathering, to be held at the LCF headquarters in Sinkor, will bring together delegates and stakeholders from across the country’s chess community to review the federation’s performance and elect a new leadership.
According to LCF President Gonkartee Dekpah, the first day will focus on administrative and financial reports, including a review of the federation’s activities and achievements over the past three years. The second day will be dedicated to elections for a new corps of officials.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday following an Executive Council meeting on election preparations, Dekpah said arrangements were progressing smoothly and expressed confidence in a transparent and successful process.
He also announced plans to hold the Individual National Chess Championship ahead of the General Assembly, although a specific date has not been announced.
Prize Money Doubled, Car Pledged for National Champion
As part of efforts to motivate players, Dekpah disclosed significant increases in prize money for this year’s national championship.
Under the revised structure, the Open champion will receive US$1,000, up from US$500, while the runner-up will take home US$750.
In the Women’s category, the champion will receive US$750, while the runner-up will earn US$500.
Dekpah, who has formally declared his intention to seek a full term as president, also pledged to introduce a vehicle reward for the national champion beginning in 2027 if elected.
“I can assure you that beginning in 2027, our national champion will begin receiving a car if I am elected,” he said.
He added that even if he loses the election, he would lobby the incoming president to maintain the proposed incentive.
The LCF president said appeals from members of the chess community, including former Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel D. Tweh, influenced his decision to contest the presidency.
Dekpah was elected vice president in 2023 and assumed the presidency in 2025 following the resignation of former president Thomas Karyah.
Three Candidates Emerge in Presidential Race
The December elections are shaping up to be competitive, with two former federation executives announcing their intentions to challenge Dekpah.
Former Secretary-General Tamba William Saa, a longtime chess administrator and educator, has entered the race, citing concerns about the federation’s current direction.
In a statement issued this week, Saa highlighted Liberia’s absence from three major international chess competitions, limited sponsorship opportunities and alleged weaknesses in financial management, transparency and accountability.
He pledged to strengthen financial oversight, restore Liberia’s participation in international competitions, attract corporate sponsorships and expand grassroots chess programmes if elected.
Saa also proposed introducing a “chess-in-prison” initiative aimed at using the sport as a tool for rehabilitation.
“I am not seeking to hold office for its own sake; I am committed to serving, rebuilding confidence, restoring institutional credibility, and delivering measurable results,” Saa said, urging stakeholders to unite in advancing Liberian chess.
Another presidential contender is former LCF Vice President Richmond D.K. Yarkpah, who previously served under former president William Telebo Thompson.
Yarkpah said his decision to contest was driven by his desire to implement strategic initiatives that stalled during his previous tenure as vice president.
“I was a vice president before, but when elected, I will bring new and different ideas on board to take chess to the next level,” he said, describing himself as the right candidate to restore the federation’s standing in Liberia’s sporting community.
Other Executive Positions Attract Candidates
Competition is also developing for other executive positions.
Kemo Sambola Jr. has announced his bid for vice president, while three-time former national champion Bobby Ballah and Merisco N. Davis are seeking the position of financial secretary.
Meanwhile, FIDE Master Jacob Jallah remains the only declared candidate for secretary-general.
Despite the active participation of women in the federation’s activities, no woman has publicly declared an intention to contest an executive position in the upcoming elections.
The absence of female candidates raises questions about women’s representation in the leadership of Liberian chess as the federation prepares to elect its next administration.
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