MONROVIA — Stephen M. Yekeson Jr. told senators Wednesday that he wants to be “judged by what is delivered.” His confirmation statement gives the Senate one promise it can test within 100 days, and many more it cannot.

By Rodney D Sieh

Appearing before the Senate Committee on Commerce and Industry, the acting Commerce and Industry Minister set out a vision to have Liberia “produce more of what Liberia consumes” by 2029. He pledged to protect consumers, enforce Liberian-only business sectors and cut the cost of moving goods “between the ship and the shop.”

His firmest commitment: within 100 days, the ministry will publish weekly prices for rice, fuel and cement in all 15 counties. Beyond that, the statement leans on verbs such as “work with,” “engage” and “address,” with few numbers, dates or budgets attached. Set against the problems now pressing on traders and households, the distance between promise and mechanism is where the scrutiny belongs.

A stronger dollar that isn’t reaching the market

Yekeson’s most striking admission was that prices have kept rising “in spite of a stronger Liberian Dollar.” The Liberian dollar was Africa’s best-performing currency in September, closing the month at about L$172 to US$1.

Small traders in Monrovia say the gains are not passed on. They report that some wholesalers still price stock at about L$190 to the dollar while the market rate sits near L$170, a gap of nearly 12 percent.

On October 6, Yekeson announced a five-point plan under which the ministry would work with the Central Bank to require supermarkets, wholesalers and retailers to post the bank’s daily exchange rate. That measure does not appear in his Senate statement. Instead, he cites a “reengineered” Price Analysis Department and a better-resourced Inspectorate. Whether the posting rule is still coming, and when, is a question the committee should put to him.

Fuel: a review, but no formula

Fuel is where the Senate already has its own findings. A Senate probe found that diesel rose from L$840 to L$1,235 a gallon between October 2024 and September 2026, a 47 percent increase. Gasoline climbed from L$775 to L$985 over the same period. The probe also found that Bea Mountain paid nothing on 16.4 million gallons of diesel.

The senator leading that inquiry proposed that the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) publish its full pricing formula every week. Yekeson’s statement moves in that direction but stops short. He promises to review pricing with the LPRC, and says regulated prices should be “transparent, rule-based and regularly reviewed,” reflecting verified import costs, duties, transport and a reasonable margin.

He does not commit to publishing that formula. His weekly price list would show what motorists pay at the pump, not how the figure was reached. He also names the LPRC, a petroleum body, as his partner in reviewing rice and cement pricing, a pairing he did not explain.

Rice: a global squeeze is coming

The next test may arrive before his 100 days are up. World rice prices are up about 67 percent on the year and hit a 26-month high in early October.

At home, the price of the staple was last fixed in March. After an emergency meeting with six major importers, the ministry announced that a 25kg bag would stay at US$14.00 wholesale and US$14.50 retail.

With import costs climbing, importers are likely to push for an increase. Yekeson’s formula of verified costs plus a reasonable margin may justify one. His weekly price list will then put any rise in public view, county by county. The Senate should ask him now whether US$14.50 can hold, and on what basis it would change.

An Inspectorate that barely registers

Yekeson promises inspectors will pursue “hoarding, collusion, false invoicing and short measures.” The ministry’s own figures suggest little enforcement capacity today.

At a budget hearing last week, he reported that the ministry had collected about US$4.12 million by September 30. Of that, inspectorate fees and fines brought in roughly US$48,700, about 1 percent. He acknowledged those collections could improve.

The pledge is also not new. In 2024, his predecessor Amin Modad rolled out a rebranded Inspectorate Division to keep vendors from selling rice above the government ceiling. The committee should ask how many inspectors the ministry has, how many cases it opened this year, and what money comes with “resourcing” them.

Small business: right diagnosis, no deadlines

On Liberian enterprise, Yekeson’s diagnosis matches what traders report. He has said that women make up 75 percent of traders reporting financial constraints.

His answers are sensible but undated:

* Procurement set-aside. The law already reserves a quarter of qualifying public procurement for Liberian-owned small businesses. He promises to publish compliance “agency by agency,” but gives no date.

* Credit. A credit guarantee programme will come “only with the requisite approvals and clear fiscal safeguards,” a signal that no money is yet set aside.

* Late payment. He will “engage” concessionaires and “report progress,” with no target for how quickly government and companies must pay.

* Business registration. Service centres exist in seven counties, with nationwide expansion planned for 2027. His “every county” pledge carries no date.

* Liberians-only sectors. He will enforce the reservation of rice and cement retail, fuel stations and sand supply through ownership checks. He did not say how many such businesses are now foreign-owned.

The 2029 goal to “produce more of what Liberia consumes” has no baseline or target. He has also warned that a stronger currency can cut what farmers and processors earn, a tension his import-substitution plan does not address.

Questions of record

Yekeson told senators he will disclose all relevant interests, comply with the Code of Conduct and recuse himself where conflicts arise. He did not say whether he still holds shares or roles in South Atlantic Capital Group or Panchariya Group West Africa, where he previously served as CFO and president, respectively.

His appointment has also revived older questions. Smart News Liberia reported that his name appeared in a 2013 Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission asset verification that raised questions about deposits totaling more than US$300,000. His statement did not address it.

What the Senate should hold him to

Yekeson’s statement is the work of someone who knows the market’s pressure points. The question for senators is whether they will confirm the diagnosis or demand the mechanisms.

Five commitments would turn the speech into a record that can be checked:

1. Weekly county-level prices for rice, fuel and cement, published by the 100-day mark.

2. A date for the rule requiring traders to post the Central Bank’s daily exchange rate.

3. Publication of the full fuel pricing formula alongside pump prices.

4. An agency-by-agency report on the 25 percent procurement set-aside, with a deadline.

5. Full disclosure of his remaining business interests before confirmation.

He has offered quarterly reports to the committee. If confirmed, the first should show progress on each.

GANTA, Nimba County — Former Nimba County District Four Representative, Cllr. Garrison Yealue, has urged the people of Nimba to preserve Nimba’s Tradition of “unity in diversity ”and  praised former President George Manneh  Weah’s democratic record and warned against partisan exclusion and arbitrary law enforcement.

By Franklin Doloquee / Nimba County

Speaking on Radio Kergheamahn 94.5 FM, Cllr. Yealue said Nimba has been strengthened by broad political inclusion rather than loyalty to a single party.

“Nimba’s biggest weapon has always been unity in diversity,” he said, urging citizens to resist efforts that concentrate power within a narrow group and to protect the county’s pluralist political culture.

He lauded former President Weah for strengthening democracy, citing laws passed during his administration, including the Freedom of Information Act and amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code.

He also praised Weah for peacefully accepting electoral defeat.

“He was the first president who passed the KAK Act, the Freedom of Speech and Information Act,” Cllr. Yealue said, adding that Weah “gracefully accepted the result and strengthened our democracy.”

Cllr. Yealue criticized recent government practices and legislation he said threaten civil liberties and media freedom.

He singled out provisions of the cybercrime law and a new Section 28, which he said would allow the Ministry of Justice to seize phones and laptops without timely judicial oversight.

“We will challenge the constitutionality of Section 28 in the Supreme Court,” he stated.

On local governance and development, the former lawmaker accused the administration of President Josep Nyumh Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung of failing to direct promised resources to Nimba despite national budget growth.

He questioned how the government’s reported one-billion-dollar budget has improved ordinary Liberians’ lives in the county and argued that revenue-sharing laws have not been respected.

“Where is the money? Where is the achievement for Nimba?” he asked.

He said he practices cross-party solidarity at the local level, providing free legal services to officials and assisting constituents regardless of affiliation.

“I did not do it for money; I did it because I love Nimba,” he intimated, stressing that unity should not become favoritism or transactional politics.

Responding to critics who call his stance divisive, the former head of the Governance Commission (GC) pointed out that his aim is reconciliation and inclusion. “Before you build a house you must set a strong foundation, ours is unity in diversity,” he asserted, warning young people against abandoning elders and tradition for short-term political gains.

On the prospect of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) returning to power, he argued that Nimba would benefit from having qualified members of different parties in strategic government positions rather than concentrating loyalty in a single party.

He urged residents to pursue positions based on capacity and qualifications rather than party allegiance.

Cllr. Yealue also said a leading opposition figure’s planned return to national politics aims to reshape laws that affect ordinary Liberians.

“He’s coming back to pass more laws that impact your life,” Cllr. Yealue said, warning that rollbacks to the Freedom of Information Act, revenue-sharing, and other reforms could weaken democratic protections and local autonomy.

He discussed development priorities, saying an opposition return could expand projects begun earlier, including upgrading roads to better serve communities.

He criticized leaders who claim credit for development yet fail to deliver promised benefits to hometowns. “If he had won, I would have been looking for resources for my hometown,” he said, averring that communities frequently miss out despite large national budgets.

Recalling his experience as deputy campaign manager for the CDC in Nimba, Cllr. Yealue accused some ruling-party tactics of aiming to consolidate control of counties rather than genuinely serving them. “Their technique is to control power in Nimba, not to help people, but to control us after they win,” he said, referencing the CDC’s 2020 victory.

He concluded by urging Nimbaians to remain engaged, defend democratic rights and work across party lines to secure jobs, development, and political representation for the county.

Calls to the opposition figure named in the interview were not immediately returned.

MONROVIA — Liberia has been drawn into Group F for the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026, where the country’s young footballers will face Belize, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Morocco, and the Philippines.

By: Christopher C. Walker, christopherc.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com

The historic youth tournament will be staged in Baku, Azerbaijan, with opening matches scheduled for October 22 and the event concluding on October 30.

FIFA confirmed that 191 Member Associations will be represented in the inaugural boys’ competition.

Liberia’s Group F opponents bring a diverse mixture of footballing styles to the competition, featuring representation from Africa, North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Asia.

The tournament will introduce an unconventional format at the international level, with teams playing 8v8 matches consisting of two 20-minute halves.

Players born in 2011 or 2012 are eligible for the competition.

Rather than eliminating teams after the opening phase, FIFA’s format is designed to give every participating nation continued competitive opportunities.

The qualification stage will be followed by a second tournament stage, with teams placed into six performance tiers based on their initial results.

Each team is expected to play between four and five matches in each stage.

The majority of the matches will take place at the Hovsan Competition Complex in Baku, while the tier finals will be held at the city’s Crystal Hall.

FIFA expects nearly 1,000 matches to be played during the festival.

Liberia’s Youth Development Pathway

Liberia’s participation comes as the Liberia Football Association (LFA) continues efforts to strengthen its youth development structure through its Technical Development Scheme.

The LFA has been conducting talent identification activities across several counties, with selected young players brought together at the George Weah Technical Center in Careysburg for structured football development alongside their formal education.

The U-15 World Cup & Festival will provide young Liberian players with valuable international experience against diverse global opponents.

For a nation seeking to strengthen its pathway from grassroots football to the senior national team, the tournament offers a platform for the next generation of Liberian talents to gain exposure on the international stage.

With Group F now confirmed, Liberia’s young squad will shift its focus toward final preparations ahead of their historic appearance in Azerbaijan.

KAKATA, Margibi County — Reports from Kakata indicate that a mass prison break has occurred at the Kakata Central Prison, with a large number of inmates reportedly escaping the facility.

An eyewitness who spoke to FrontPage Africa’s reporter from outside the prison compound said numerous inmates were seen fleeing into nearby neighborhoods and bushes.

The eyewitness described the escapees as appearing violent and warned that they could confront anyone who attempted to stand in their way.

FrontPage Africa’s reporter said that, so far, only one inmate has reportedly been recaptured. The circumstances surrounding the prison break, including the number of inmates who escaped and how they managed to flee, remain unclear.

Prison authorities have yet to comment on the incident and have remained tight-lipped as developments unfold.

This is a developing story. FrontPage Africa will provide updates as more information becomes available.

MONROVIA – Former President of the Press Union of Liberia, Charles B. Coffey Jr., has called on Liberians, including political institutions and actors expressing divergent views on the Government’s fight against harmful drugs and the prosecution of alleged drug traffickers to remain peaceful, patriotic and respectful of the rule of law.

By Augustus D.R Bortue-augustusdr.bortue@frontpageafricaonline.com

Coffey said the ongoing national campaign against harmful drugs is a matter of serious national concern that requires collective responsibility, unity and support for lawful institutions rather than political confrontation, public pressure or prejudgment of cases before the courts.

He urged all parties with differing opinions on drug-related prosecutions to allow the courts and other competent institutions of the justice system to perform their constitutional responsibilities without interference.

“We must allow the rule of law to prevail. Allegations of criminal conduct must be determined through due process, and no individual should be convicted in the court of public opinion before the competent court has spoken,” Coffey emphasized.

The former media leader, who is currently studying law at the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, University of Liberia, expressed optimism that justice will ultimately be served through the established legal process.

He described Liberia’s judicial system as an important pillar of the Republic and expressed confidence in the ability of the courts to administer justice impartially and independently.

According to Coffey, Liberia’s constitutional and judicial framework places a compelling responsibility on judges, lawyers and other legal practitioners to uphold the principles of fairness, impartiality, professional integrity and ethical conduct in the administration of justice.

He stressed that the 1986 Constitution of Liberia provides fundamental safeguards for due process and the protection of individual rights, making it imperative for legal practitioners and judicial actors to conduct themselves in accordance with constitutional principles and established ethical standards.

Coffey further cautioned against attempts by political actors, commentators or other influential individuals to undermine public confidence in the judiciary through inflammatory statements or premature conclusions concerning matters pending before the courts.

He stated that disagreements over government policy or criminal prosecutions are legitimate in a democratic society, but such disagreements must be expressed peacefully and within the bounds of law.

“Patriotism does not mean that we must all hold the same opinion. It means that, even when we disagree, we must protect the peace, respect our institutions and allow the law to take its course,” he pointed out.

He, therefore, encouraged Liberians to support legitimate efforts by the Government and security institutions to combat the harmful drugs crisis while simultaneously respecting the constitutional rights of persons accused of drug-related offenses.

Coffey maintained that the fight against harmful drugs should not become a source of political division, but rather a national cause requiring cooperation among the Government, political institutions, civil society, the media, religious leaders, traditional authorities and ordinary citizens.

He concluded by urging all Liberians to remain calm and allow the courts to independently determine the facts and law in cases before them, stressing that justice is best served when the rule of law, rather than public pressure, determines the outcome of criminal proceedings.

MONROVIA — Bushrod Queens have been crowned the inaugural champions of the Bettomax Women’s Championship Cup after defeating reigning Liberian league champions Determine Girls 4–3 in a penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw in regulation time at Tusa Field in Gardnersville.

By Christopher C. Walker | christopher.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com | 0777898224/0886723075

The victory capped the first-ever women’s edition of the Bettomax Preseason Cup, an initiative established to provide top-flight Liberian clubs with competitive match preparation ahead of the new domestic season.

Bushrod Queens struck early in the first half, putting the underdog side in a strong position to pull off an upset. However, Determine Girls, eager to add the Bettomax trophy to their league silverware, fought back after the restart and equalized through substitute Delphine Glao.

With neither side able to break the deadlock before the final whistle, the decider went straight to a penalty shootout.

Bushrod Queens held their nerve from 12 yards out, converting four of their spot-kicks to claim the historic trophy.

The Queens had entered the tournament as late replacements after league runners-up Shaita Angels withdrew, citing player fatigue following a demanding campaign.

Bushrod Queens capitalized fully on the opportunity, opening their campaign with a 3–0 win over Senior Female Professionals before securing a 4–0 victory in the return leg to advance 7–0 on aggregate.

Determine Girls reached the final by edging World Girls 1–0 in the first leg, followed by a goalless draw in the second leg.

Speaking after the final, Bettomax Country Director Darren Glove commended both clubs for their performances and extended best wishes to Determine Girls as they prepare to represent Liberia in the upcoming WAFU Zone A Champions League qualifiers in The Gambia.

Glove praised the quality of football on display throughout the four-day competition, noting that the inaugural edition successfully proved the viability of an expanded platform for women’s football.

“I was totally entertained by the display of football here today,” Glove said. “It was a great game, and we hope to expand it next year to make it an even bigger tournament for the women. This was somewhat of a test run, but looking at the results, it was fantastic.”

Glove specifically highlighted Bushrod Queens’ tactical discipline, praising their possession-based style and attacking intent. He also lauded midfielder Bendu Yeateh, who was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament for her work rate and playmaking ability.

“I was very impressed with Bushrod Queens because they were always looking to retain possession and push forward,” Glove noted.

“They are a very well-coached team and fully deserved this championship.”

The inaugural women’s tournament featured four leading clubs: Determine Girls, World Girls, Senior Female Professionals, and Bushrod Queens.

Hosted at Tusa Field from August 12–16, the tournament saw each participating team receive US1,000 in preparation fees,while Bushrod Queens took home the US6,000 grand prize as champions.

For Determine Girls, the tournament served as a crucial warm-up ahead of their regional assignment. The national champions are scheduled to depart Monrovia on August 20 for The Gambia to compete in the WAFU Zone A qualifiers.

Meanwhile, the men’s division of the Bettomax Cup remains ongoing. In opening-round action, Bea Mountain FC secured a 4–1 win over Discoveries Soccer Academy, while Paynesville FC and Watanga FC played out a goalless draw.

Subsequent fixtures saw LPRC Oilers defeat defending champions Heaven Eleven 1–0, while LISCR FC earned a 2–0 victory over Wologizi FC as preseason preparations continue across the country.

CESTOS CITY, River Cess County — The River Cess County Sports Steering Committee, chaired by Togar Melvin Cephas, has officially constituted an 11-member technical team to lead the county’s kickball squad in the upcoming National County Sports Meet (NCSM).

The committee expects the newly appointed technical body to build a disciplined, competitive, and unified squad capable of making a strong run in the nation’s premier sports festival.

Emmanuel Weedee-Conway, a journalist with FrontPage Africa and president of Destiny Kickball Club, was named Technical Director.

Considered one of the sport’s most decorated administrators, Weedee-Conway brings extensive sports management and media experience to the county’s leadership setup.

Joining the administrative arm is G. Shardrick Bloyue, who will serve as Coordinator.

Bloyue recently guided Vision Sisters Kickball Club to its second national league title in three years and is expected to provide organizational strategy and oversight to the technical staff.

The technical bench will be led by Darius Ajavon as Head Coach, supported by Deputy Coach Chris Johnson and Assistant Coach Theo Nathan Beah.

The full administrative and backroom structure includes:Technical Director: Emmanuel Weedee-Conway,Coordinator: G. Shardrick Bloyue,Head Coach: Darius Ajavon,Deputy Coach: Chris Johnson,Assistant Coach: Theo Nathan Beah,Team Manager: Mama Tukpeh,Statistician: Prince Rus,Trainer: Moses A. Pewee,Caretakers: Perry Neawon (Caretaker #1) and Martee Duahdyu (Caretaker #2) and Medic: Austin Stanley

In an official statement signed by Secretary General S. Alberto Dixon Sr., the committee called on citizens, local leaders, and supporters of River Cess to rally behind the new technical staff.

“The Committee is confident that this team has the capacity to lead River Cess County to success,” the statement read. “We urge everyone to rally behind them as we work toward a united and competitive county team.”

The steering committee noted that it retains the authority to modify, replace, or add to the technical staff if necessary to serve the county’s sports objectives.

The appointment comes as counties across Liberia ramp up preparations for the 2026/27 National County Sports Meet, which is scheduled to kick off in approximately three months. River Cess will compete under the official banner: “RIVER CESS COUNTY: ONE TEAM, ONE COUNTY, ONE PURPOSE.”

CESTOS, River Cess County – The River Cess County Sports Steering Committee has officially appointed an 11-member Kickball Technical Team to lead the county’s preparations and participation in upcoming National County Sports Meet (NCSM).

The announcement was made by the Committee under the leadership of Chairman Togar Melvin Cephas.

The new team is expected to build a competitive, disciplined, and united kickball squad to represent River Cess County.

Emmanuel Weedee-Conway, who is also one of the game’s most decorated administrators, was named Technical Director of the team.

The appointment of Mr. Weedee-Conway – the Destiny Kickball Club President- brings experience from the media and sports sector to the county’s technical leadership.

Also, Mr. G. Shardrick Bloyue will serve as Coordinator of the technical team.

The astute leadership expert, who just guided Vision Sisters Kickball Club to its second national league championship within the course of three years, will provide support and guidance to the kickball technical team.

The dressing room will be led by Darius Ajavon as Head Coach, with Chris Johnson as Deputy Coach and Theo Nathan Beah as Assistant Coach.

The Committee also appointed Mama Tukpeh as Team Manager and Prince Rus as Statistician to handle team data and performance tracking.

 Moses A. Pewee was named Trainer, while Perry Neawon and Martee Duahdyu will serve as Caretaker #1 and Caretaker #2, respectively, while Austin Stanley was appointed as the team Medic.

In a statement signed by Secretary General S. Alberto Dixon Sr., the Committee called on all stakeholders, players, supporters, and citizens of River Cess County to give the new technical team full support and cooperation.

“The Committee is confident that this team has the capacity to lead River Cess County to success,” the statement read.

“We urge everyone to rally behind them as we work toward a united and competitive county team.”

Despite pronouncement, the Committee noted that it reserves the right to make changes, replacements, or recommend additional members to the technical team when necessary and in the best interest of the county’s kickball program.

The appointments come barely three months to the ensuing 2026/27 NCSM.

With time closing in, counties across Liberia have begun preparations for inter-county sports competition.

Meanwhile, the River Cess County team will operate under the theme: “RIVER CESS COUNTY: ONE TEAM, ONE COUNTY, ONE PURPOSE.”

Monrovia – Every football season in Liberia begins with a familiar burst of optimism. Clubs unveil new signings, coaches set ambitious targets, players dream of professional careers, and supporters hope their teams will challenge for silverware.

By Christopher C. Walker,  christopher.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com

Yet behind the weekend excitement lies a harsh financial reality that average fans rarely see. For most club presidents and administrators in Liberia, running a football team is less about turning a profit and more about making personal sacrifices.

Driven by limited sponsorship opportunities, negligible commercial revenue, and modest institutional support, many clubs depend almost entirely on the personal bank accounts of their leaders.

These executives routinely dip into their own savings to pay player salaries, transport squads to training sessions, cover medical bills, provide food, and keep basic operations afloat.

The experiences of Borough FC President Sylvanus Kelvin Morris, Shaita Angels FC President Benita Urey, and Rovers Ladies CEO Rochell D. Woodson offer a sobering look into the financial realities of Liberian football.

Though their club sizes and operational circumstances differ, their ultimate message is identical without personal sacrifice, many Liberian clubs would simply cease to exist.

Borough FC: Operating on Empty

For Borough FC President Sylvanus Kelvin Morris, the financial strain begins long before match day.

Morris explains that his club currently operates without a single corporate sponsor, leaving him and a small circle of loyal supporters to shoulder the entire financial burden. Transportation alone eats up a massive portion of the budget.

Borough FC spends over L15,000 a day just getting players to and from training.

Added to that is a monthly wage bill of approximately USD 3,500, along with other recurring administrative expenses.

Those numbers do not include match-day logistics transportation, food, water, ice, win bonuses, equipment, and medical care.

A recent match against Watanga FC illustrated how rapidly costs multiply. Borough FC spent roughly

“Running Borough FC is a major financial responsibility,” Morris said, noting that expenses fluctuate wildly depending on training schedules and fixtures.

With no corporate sponsor in sight, Morris relies on his personal income and the goodwill of associates who believe in his project.

“There are times when you have to use your own money simply because the players have to get to training, a match has to be played, or a commitment has already been made,” he explained. “You cannot tell a player who has traveled to training that there is no money for transportation.”

For Morris, the central challenge is not merely the size of the bills, but cash flow and long-term sustainability.

While he declined to give an exact figure for his total personal expenditure, he acknowledged it has come at a steep personal cost. There have been moments when the financial pressure nearly forced him to walk away.

“If I only looked at the financial return, I probably would have stopped already,” Morris admitted. “But Borough FC is bigger than my personal finances. Players are depending on this club and young people looking at football as a pathway out.”

Shaita Angels: An $87,000 Annual Burden

The financial burden is even more striking at the top tier of women’s football.

Shaita Angels FC President Benita Urey previously revealed that running her Upper Women’s League club costs approximately US$87,000 per season, with player salaries accounting for the largest share.

Although Shaita Angels enjoys some corporate sponsorship, Urey noted that external support falls far short of operational requirements. She personally invests between US50,000 and US60,000 every season to bridge the deficit, relying on family, friends, and well-wishers to cover the rest.

For Urey, keeping the club alive has meant putting her own life on hold. She has frequently turned down travel opportunities and set aside personal financial goals just to pay her squad.

The strain is further compounded by inconsistent league scheduling, which disrupts financial planning and prolongs operational costs. When funds run dry mid-season, she turns to contacts in Liberia and abroad for emergency assistance.

Rovers Ladies: Beyond the Pitch

For newly promoted Rovers Ladies CEO Rochell D. Woodson, the numbers may be lower than those of top-tier men’s teams, but the personal sacrifices are just as severe.

Woodson noted that during her tenure as president of World Girls FC, the club spent roughly US$ 25,000 per season.

Today,as CEO of Rovers Ladies, she estimates annual operational costs at approximately US15,000. When asked if any of these investments have yielded a financial return, her response was swift: “No.”

Woodson added that she has never earned money from player transfers or solidarity mechanisms. Instead, her involvement with women’s football has evolved into a personal social work venture.

Several young players receive assistance with their school fees directly from Woodson. Others have lived under her roof, relying on her for daily meals and healthcare. Her investment extends well beyond football tactics; it touches the lives and families of her players.

“It’s my passion for football and the impact on the lives of these young girls and their families,” Woodson said when asked why she continues to spend without returns.

For Woodson, football is an intervention. She views her club as a shield protecting young women from harsh social conditions, offering structure, discipline, and a safe alternative to drugs, prostitution, and crime.

“It is very important because it’s another way we are reducing prostitution, drugs, and crime among women,” she stressed.

However, that altruism carries a steep personal price tag. When asked what managing a football team has cost her personally, Woodson was blunt: “Financial growth and stability.”

She admitted to moments of utter frustration, particularly when she felt targeted by football administrators or believed her reform ideas were being deliberately misunderstood. Yet, she stays.

“I believe it is the little way I can give back to society and my country,” she said.

A System Built on a Fragile Foundation

What would happen if club presidents across Liberia suddenly stopped spending their own money?

Morris believes the immediate outcome would be catastrophic, with most clubs failing to meet basic match obligations. Woodson was even more direct: “The majority of the clubs would not survive.”

Their evaluation highlights a structural weakness in Liberian football. A competitive sports league cannot achieve long-term commercial viability if its very existence depends on wealthy benefactors continuously reaching into their own pockets.

Club administrators also argue that financial support from the Liberia Football Association (LFA) is vastly inadequate compared to real operational costs. While the LFA provides a regulatory structure and baseline support, administrators say the financial gap remains dangerously wide.

Restoring Trust and Attracting Investors

Attracting private capital remains a monumental challenge. According to Morris, businesses are hesitant to invest without seeing immediate, measurable returns.

Woodson agreed, offering a candid business assessment: “People want to invest in something where they can get a profit.”

She emphasized that the local football ecosystem must prioritize transparency and rule of law if it hopes to attract serious corporate partners.

“The system has to be transparent and accountable to those who are spending their money,” Woodson stated, adding that football authorities must apply regulations consistently to all member clubs.

To turn the situation around, Woodson outlined three critical pillars for reform:

Enforcing strict accountability, rule of law, and financial transparency across the national football structure at the same time developing youth academies to build a pipeline of talent capable of generating transfer revenue and Revamping match-day experiences, marketing, and broadcasting to bring fans back to stadiums and monetize fan engagement.

Morris echoed these points, calling for enhanced broadcasting deals, proper stadium infrastructure, official club merchandising, and strategic corporate partnerships.

Buying Time, Not Making Money

The accounts of Morris, Urey, and Woodson lay bare an unsettling truth about sports administration in Liberia.

Local football continues to function primarily because a small group of passionate individuals are willing to sacrifice their personal financial stability.

They pay for buses, cover wages, purchase food, settle hospital bills, disburse win bonuses, and subsidize education for players. When their bank accounts hit zero, they call on friends for lifelines.

In return, they receive almost no financial reward.

For Morris, the return is seeing Borough FC compete and offering young men a sense of purpose. For Woodson, it is altering the life trajectories of young women. For Urey, it is driving the evolution of women’s football across Liberia.

Their efforts raise an urgent question for the future of the domestic game: How long can a national sport rely on personal sacrifice instead of sustainable business models?

Until Liberian clubs can unlock authentic revenue streams through corporate sponsorship, broadcasting rights, ticket sales, player transfers, and merchandising, club presidents will remain stuck in a costly loop.

They are not making money. They are buying time. And for now, that sacrifice is the only thing keeping the dream of Liberian football alive.

GBARNGA, Bong County— A newly established private health facility in Gbarnga is moving to expand access to advanced medical services in Bong County after taking delivery of a container-load of medical equipment valued at about US$250,000.

By Rancy Clarke

The New Hope Health Center, a 22-bed facility established by Liberian couple Dr. James Labala and Dr. Anna Kaydor Labala, says the new equipment will enable it to introduce critical diagnostic and treatment services that have been largely unavailable to residents of the county.

The consignment, which arrived in Liberia in July, includes computerized hospital beds, ultrasound machines, a baby warmer, a chemistry analyzer and a range of laboratory equipment.

However, Dr. James Labala said bureaucratic delays and high customs duties kept the shipment at the Free Port of Monrovia for nearly a month before the facility could secure its release.

According to him, the health center was forced to pay nearly half of the value of the equipment in duties and related charges before the materials could be cleared.

Speaking in an interview with The Liberian Investigator over the weekend, Dr. Labala said the facility began providing partial services in July as it awaited the arrival and installation of the additional equipment.

Those services currently include malaria testing, hemoglobin testing, skin-snip examinations, typhoid testing, H. pylori testing, syphilis testing, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, complete urinalysis, liver and kidney function tests, and lipid-profile testing.

Dr. Labala said the establishment of the facility was inspired partly by the couple’s exposure to the healthcare system in the United States, where they pursued graduate studies.

“We went to graduate school in America, and I particularly worked at one of the hospitals there because I did chaplaincy. What we saw was way far different from what is in Liberia,” he said.

He said the couple decided to establish the health center as part of their broader commitment to humanitarian service and their Christian ministry, with the goal of improving healthcare delivery in Bong County.

“We want this health facility to be comfortable and affordable. We want to put human lives first. Our patients will be our first priority,” Dr. Labala said.

The facility’s management is banking on the expanded services to attract patients who would otherwise travel outside Bong County or Liberia to seek specialized medical care.

Dr. Labala expressed confidence that the center could eventually attract members of Liberia’s elite, including lawmakers, by offering services comparable to those available in the United States.

“We want to provide the kind of services that people travel abroad to seek,” he indicated.

Beyond healthcare delivery, Dr. Labala said the facility is also contributing to employment creation by ensuring that its workforce is Liberian.

He said the health center has empowered Liberians through employment opportunities as part of its effort to contribute to addressing the country’s unemployment challenge.

The New Hope Health Center is also incorporating preventive healthcare into its operations.

Dr. Labala said the facility has begun nutrition-awareness activities aimed at educating residents about their eating habits and the potential health consequences of consuming certain foods, particularly some imported food products.

He said the initiative is intended to shift attention from treating illnesses to preventing them by helping residents make informed decisions about what they consume.

With the arrival of the new equipment, the health center is expected to transition from its initial limited operations into a broader range of diagnostic and clinical services, potentially reducing the need for residents of Bong County to travel elsewhere for medical care.