Monrovia – A senior member of the House of Representatives’ Foreign Affairs Committee has hailed Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti for her pivotal role in securing Liberia’s bid to host the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre (EYSDC)—a landmark achievement for the country’s regional diplomacy.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
The decision to award Liberia hosting rights for the center followed a competitive selection process led by the ECOWAS Commission. The relocation of several ECOWAS institutions became necessary following the recent withdrawal of some member states from the regional bloc.
Maryland County Electoral District #2 Representative Anthony Williams, a top-ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commended Minister Nyanti for her “exceptional strategic leadership” in steering Liberia’s successful campaign.
“This is a proud and transformative milestone for our nation,” Rep. Williams told FrontPage Africa via mobile phone from Germany. “The successful bid to host the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre is not just a diplomatic win; it is a victory for every Liberian youth, athlete, and aspiring leader.”
Williams credited Minister Nyanti for leading a coordinated national effort that outshined competing bids from across the region. Out of 12 eligible countries, Côte d’Ivoire was selected to host the West African Health Organization (WAHO), Guinea will host the Water Resources Coordination Centre (WRCC), and Guinea-Bissau the Regional Animal Health Centre (RAHC). Liberia’s selection to host the EYSDC marks a significant moment in its engagement with the regional body.
The Maryland lawmaker noted that Liberia’s selection demonstrates strong regional confidence in the country’s leadership and capacity to deliver.
Following the announcement, Minister Nyanti expressed gratitude to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., whom she described as the “chief architect of Liberia’s foreign policy.” She noted that the President’s direct engagement with the ECOWAS vetting team was instrumental to the success of Liberia’s bid.
Minister Nyanti also praised Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration, Dr. Ibrahim Nyei, and his team for their strategic leadership throughout the process.
Special recognition was given to Youth and Sports Minister Cllr. Cole Bangalu for ensuring that Liberia’s proposal met the technical standards required to host such a vital institution. She also acknowledged Mr. Morley Kamara, Economic Advisor to the President, for aligning the bid with Liberia’s broader economic diplomacy agenda.
The General Services Agency (GSA) was commended for its logistical and infrastructural coordination, while Senator Edwin Snowe was lauded for his strong advocacy for Liberia to host a regional institution.
Liberia had earlier expressed interest in hosting three of the four ECOWAS institutions formerly located in member states that exited the bloc—WAHO, WRCC, and the EYSDC.
The successful bid not only boosts Liberia’s standing in the ECOWAS community but is also expected to yield long-term benefits in youth empowerment, education, sports diplomacy, employment, and regional visibility.
The Government of Liberia has reaffirmed its readiness to ensure a smooth and timely transition of the Centre’s operations to Monrovia and has called on development partners and stakeholders to support the next phase of implementation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its commitment to identifying and leveraging opportunities to reposition and rebrand Liberia on the regional and international stage.
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