MONROVIA – Major sports stakeholders, including the Liberia Kickball Federation (LKF), the Liberia Football Coaches Association, and the Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL), have welcomed the nomination of Atty. Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah-Togba as Minister of Youth and Sports, describing the appointment as timely and forward-looking.
By: Christopher C.Walker 0777898224/0886723075 [email protected]
In a statement issued Thursday, January 22, 2026, the LKF congratulated President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for the nomination, applauding his commitment to gender balance and inclusive governance.
The Federation expressed confidence that, once confirmed, Minister-designate Kruah-Togba will inject renewed energy and professionalism into the sector.
“The Liberia Kickball Federation is confident that Madam Kruah-Togba’s experience and dedication will positively impact the development of sports and youth empowerment across the country,” the statement noted.
The LKF further pledged to collaborate with the incoming minister to advance grassroots sports and increase the participation of women and girls in the industry.
Similarly, the Liberia Football Coaches Association welcomed the appointment as an opportunity to inspire a new generation of leaders.
The association commended President Boakai, stating that Atty. Kruah-Togba brings integrity and vision to a ministry that serves as a cornerstone for youth empowerment.
The coaches also extended their thanks to the outgoing minister, Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu, for maintaining a productive working relationship during his tenure.
Meanwhile, the Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL) described the nomination as the fulfillment of a long-standing call for youthful leadership at the ministry.
In a statement released Monday, SWAL praised President Boakai who serves as Chief Patron of Sports for nominating the 35-year-old legal professional.
The association noted that her legal background and political exposure position her well to confront persistent obstacles, including low budgetary allocations and inadequate infrastructure.
SWAL urged the Minister-designate to be proactive in policy formulation and to elevate the National County Sports Meet as a premier tool for national unity and grassroots talent discovery.
In a related development, while the stakeholders commended outgoing Minister Bangalu who has been transitioned to the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) SWAL renewed its call for a structural overhaul of the ministry.
The association is urging the Government of Liberia to separate youth affairs from sports, arguing that the current combined structure creates operational bottlenecks.
SWAL maintains that establishing independent ministries would allow for more targeted investment and effective administration in both sectors.
As confirmation proceedings at the Capitol loom, expectations remain high that Kruah-Togba’s leadership will signal a new chapter for Liberian sports development.
