By S. Siapha Mulbah
The President of the Liberia Chess Federation (LCF), Thomas Karyah, has expressed alarm over what he describes as a deepening crisis within the leadership of the Federation, citing gross dysfunctionality, financial opacity, and deliberate sabotage by elected officials.
In a formal complaint addressed to members of the LCF’s Advisory Committee, Karyah expressed frustration over the continued breakdown in governance within the organization, noting that efforts made to revive the Federation after a recent virtual meeting have proven fruitless.
“Since we met two weeks ago and agreed to give leadership a chance to redeem itself, nothing has really changed,” the letter stated.
Karyah’s concerns come at a time when the Federation has announced the launch of its postponed 2024 National Chess Championships and preparations for its crucial 8th General Assembly, now scheduled for May 10–11, 2025. But the Federation’s President says these events are hanging by a thread due to “lack of commitment” from fellow elected officials.
One of the gravest concerns raised in the complaint involves the Federation’s Financial Secretary, Beauford Okai. Karyah accused Okai of failing to remit over US$700 in funds, including a US$500 payment earmarked for a Nigerian coach who trained Liberia’s national team for the 45th Chess Olympiad in Hungary, and another US$200 received from a legal settlement.
He also accused Okai of obstructing financial transparency by refusing to submit a draft report for 2024 or release supporting financial documents required to complete the report. “This is impeding our ability to secure funds from the Government and fulfill our reporting obligations to FIDE,” Karyah said.
Karyah further lamented the lack of active participation from elected officials in both governance and operational matters. He pointed to poor turnout during the opening events of the championship held on April 12, citing the absence of any leadership support as a reason for dwindling momentum and low participation.
“I’ve been placed in a Catch-22 situation,” the letter read. “If I act alone, I’m accused of unilateralism. If I step back, the Federation suffers. It’s demoralizing for volunteers and members who are doing their best.”
He added that key meetings are being routinely boycotted by officials, making it virtually impossible to delegate responsibilities and make timely decisions.
In light of the ongoing leadership paralysis, the LCF President has called on the Advisory Committee to urgently convene a meeting to resolve the crisis.
“The current situation, if left unaddressed, poses a serious threat to the stability, reputation and progress of the Liberia Chess Federation,” Karyah warned, emphasizing that he does not seek unilateral authority but rather the active involvement of his fellow leaders.
He concluded with an appeal for renewed dedication to the sport: “Contrary to what some attention-hungry members are saying in the media, we know who truly has chess at heart. That is why we are relying on you to help us navigate this impasse.”
The Liberia Chess Federation, once considered a model of grassroots sports development, now stands at a crossroads with its future hinged on whether its internal wrangling can be resolved in time to save its flagship programs.
Federation Crumbling Under Dysfunctional Leadership’ -LCF President Cries Out
