Monrovia – The Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS) has announced the financial results of the 2025 National County Sports Meet, revealing a total revenue of $341,000 USD and L$41,123,002.85 Liberian dollars.
By Christopher C. Walker, [email protected]
According to Sports Minister Cllr. Jeror Cole Bangalu, this sum was raised through sponsorships, gate fees, and government support for the event.
During a press conference on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, Minister Bangalu outlined the Ministry’s expenditures for the event: USD $295,654.00 and L$32,045,360.00.
The remaining balance is USD $35,346.00 and L$9,077,642.85. This balance is lower than the previous year’s report, which showed a cash balance of L$7,259,930.50 and USD $7,948.90.
The Minister emphasized the MYS’s commitment to transparency, noting that the National County Sports Meet not only provided an opportunity for sporting competition but also created short-term jobs for thousands of Liberians.
A significant portion of the funds came from sponsorships, with Orange Liberia, LISCR, the Maritime Insurance Company of Africa, NASSCORP, and others contributing USD $87,000.00 and L$16,770,000.00. The Government of Liberia also supported the event with USD $180,000.00 and L$21,398,002.85.
Additionally, the sale of event tickets, managed by a private company, generated USD $64,000.00 and L$16,770,000.00.
Minister Bangalu explained that the financial report covers the quarter-finals through the grand finals of the National County Sports Meet, excluding the preliminary rounds held in the counties. He assured that further reports from the host counties would be released later.
The Minister acknowledged challenges in managing the event, particularly the high costs of hosting football matches in the stadiums. However, he expressed commitment to improving facilities in host counties, including plans for upgrading Bong County’s venue and assisting Grand Cape Mount County with bucket seats.
While the Ministry did not disclose any tax payments to the Liberia Revenue Authority, Minister Bangalu reiterated the importance of supporting host counties beyond the event itself, ensuring long-term improvements to sports infrastructure.