Ganta, Nimba County – Amos B. Tweh, Managing Director of the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC), has called for a restructuring of the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) to separate youth development from sports management. Tweh is advocating for the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Sports and the creation of a Liberia National Youth Commission (LNYC) to focus on youth policy design and coordination.
By Franklin Doloquee, [email protected]
According to Tweh, a National Youth Commission would help streamline youth development efforts while allowing the sports sector to operate independently. He stated that such a separation would lead to better governance, increased youth participation, and more effective support for youth and sports initiatives. Tweh noted that this model aligns with best practices in other West African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, and The Gambia, which have established similar commissions to empower youth and promote their development.
Speaking at the 55th National Youth Day celebration in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Orange Liberia, Mercy Corps, and other partners, Tweh emphasized the potential of Liberia’s youth. With over 63% of Liberia’s population under the age of 25 and 32% between 10 and 24, Tweh highlighted the “immense potential” that Liberia’s youth represent. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that young people are educated, healthy, and actively engaged in nation-building.
“These numbers tell a story of immense potential. For Liberia to thrive, we must empower our youth and equip them with the skills needed to drive national development,” Tweh remarked. However, he acknowledged the challenges youth face, including limited access to quality education, high unemployment, and pressures from a fast-changing world.
Tweh also highlighted the transformative power of digital skills, noting that digital literacy has become a necessity rather than a luxury. “With the right digital skills, our youth can break barriers, create solutions, and put Liberia on the global map,” he said. He urged young Liberians to embrace technology to pursue careers, launch businesses, and participate in the global economy, all from within their communities.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
Tweh encouraged the youth to view challenges as opportunities, urging them to adopt a problem-solving mindset and participate actively in national development. “Your participation in national development is critical. It’s not just about waiting for opportunities but being proactive and engaging in meaningful dialogues with leaders,” he said.
Youth Participation in National Development
Recognizing the youth as Liberia’s future leaders, Tweh emphasized the importance of their involvement in decision-making processes to ensure policies reflect their needs and aspirations. He urged them to join community initiatives, volunteer, and contribute to national development efforts.
“Embrace digital empowerment, turn challenges into opportunities, and actively participate in building a stronger Liberia,” Tweh advised. “The future of this nation lies in your hands, and I believe in your ability to make a difference.”
UNFPA and Government Support for Youth Development
Representing the UNFPA, Calixte Hessou commended Liberia’s youth for their role in national development, noting that they make up 75% of the nation’s population and are critical to its progress. He pledged continued UNFPA support for youth and government development initiatives across the country.
Youth and Sports Minister Jeror Cole Bangalu welcomed Tweh’s recommendation to divide the ministry’s functions, noting that this change could help Liberia achieve its youth development goals. He pledged the government’s commitment to supporting the advancement of young people nationwide.
