Monrovia – As the Liberia Football Association (LFA) approaches a high-stakes leadership election, Youth and Sports Minister Cornelia Kruah has issued a clarion call for peace, maturity, and a strict adherence to the rule of law within the nation’s football sector.
By: Christopher C. Walker 0777898224/0886723075 [email protected]
Addressing the LFA Congress in her first official engagement since taking the helm of the Ministry, Kruah warned that political friction must not be allowed to erode the sport’s unique ability to unify the country.
“Let us ensure that politics does not undermine the unity that football is known to promote,” Minister Kruah told delegates. “The laws, policies, and rules that govern the LFA must be respected at all times.”
Football: A National Asset
The Minister’s remarks come at a sensitive time for the LFA, an institution that has overseen the nation’s “passion number one” since 1936. With football cutting across ethnic and political divides, Kruah reminded stakeholders that the sport is a vital platform for the 65 percent of Liberians under the age of 25.
She stressed that a transparent and peaceful electoral process is not just a matter of sports administration, but a necessity for safeguarding the professional aspirations of thousands of young athletes.
Acknowledgment of the Raji Administration
During her address, Minister Kruah extended commendations to LFA President Mustapha I. Raji and his executive committee.
She praised their “steadfast leadership” and acknowledged the visible strides made in domestic league organization and international participation despite long-standing challenges in infrastructure and funding.
A New Direction for Sports Policy
Beyond the upcoming elections, the Minister used the platform to outline an ambitious policy roadmap centered on grassroots development and gender inclusion.
“Reversing the trend of underrepresentation in women’s sports is a key priority of this administration,” she asserted.
The Path to the Polls
Closing her address, the Minister challenged candidates and their supporters to exhibit a high degree of sportsmanship as the campaign season intensifies.
“Football must continue to inspire hope, discipline, and unity especially for our young people,” Kruah concluded.
Political observers viewed the Minister’s tone as a strategic effort to stabilize the football environment, signaling the government’s intent to act as a partner in progress rather than a bystander in the governance of the beautiful game.
