Local Sports Stakeholders Demand Action Amidst Disappointment In Government’s Budget Allocation

By S. Siapha Mulbah
Several passionate sports lovers in Liberia have expressed their anger and frustration over the national government’s low budgetary allotment for the Ministry of Youth and Sports, calling for a halt to all sporting activities in the country. The aggrieved sports pundits, representing various sporting disciplines, have launched a campaign to suspend all activities under the more than 30 sporting federations recognized by the Bureau of Sports at the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The campaign gained momentum through a series of mobile calls during a midweek sports program which was broadcast on a local radio station. Many callers expressed their disappointment, accusing the government of neglecting the sports development agenda and showing no interest in fostering the growth of the sector. The mood of the callers was clear: the government’s budgetary commitment to sports is inadequate and unacceptable.
Emmet Horton, a prominent kickball stakeholder, was among the vocal critics. He argued that while other government sectors with political influence receive substantial portions of the national budget, sports and youth development continue to be marginalized.
Horton, like many others, was particularly disheartened by the proposed allocation for the Ministry of Youth and Sports in the 2025 fiscal year which he said is a meager U$6,088,558, which they argue is insufficient to support any serious sports program.
“After watching our governments for decades allot peanuts to youth and sports development, it is now time that we, the sports stakeholders, come to the realization that sports are not a priority in our country’s rebuilding process,” said Horton, emphasizing the longstanding neglect of sports by this and succeeding governments.
He further criticized the low financial support, stating, “It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to inform the young people of this country, who dream of playing sports on the international stage, that the government does not see any future in them. The 2025 national budget proposal for sports is just a drop in the ocean. This is not a reflection of change or progress in how this government values sports.”
Horton also questioned why the government prioritizes other ministries and agencies that allocate millions of dollars while the Ministry of Youth and Sports, which covers a much larger population and has a broader mandate, receives less than $10 million. He expressed deep dissatisfaction with the status quo, declaring, “This country will never see different results in sports development and youth capacity building unless the Ministry of Youth and Sports receives a budget that reflects its responsibilities.”
The lack of funding and attention from the government has led many pundits to point to Liberia’s poor performance in continental and global sports competitions. They argue that the financial neglect is directly affecting the development of athletes and the overall integrity of sports in the country.
Kelvin David, a former second division player in the Liberian national league, echoed Horton’s sentiments, stressing that the lack of financial support has stifled every aspect of sports in the country. He pointed out that the absence of proper funding has tarnished the integrity of sports like football, with some coaches and officials accepting kickbacks, further diminishing the passion and drive of young players.
David argued that the country’s indifference towards sports has led many athletes to abandon their dreams and pursue other, often harmful, activities. “Since the country shows no appreciation for sports, those involved are losing interest in the games they love. Young athletes no longer see sports as a means of success, and this leads them to stray from positive societal activities,” David explained.
He added that sports offer an important platform to engage young people, steering them away from negative influences. However, he warned that continued governmental neglect could lead to a rise in undesirable behaviors among the youth. “Sports are a major tool to attract young people and get them off the streets. If this sector continues to be neglected, we will see more youth disengage from sports, and when they are left idle, we risk an increase in bad practices,” David cautioned.
The campaign launched by sports stakeholders has sparked a renewed conversation about the role of sports in Liberia’s national development. With the government yet to address these concerns, the future of sports in the country remains uncertain, as passionate athletes and sports enthusiasts demand action and a fair share of the national budget.
As the debate continues, many are calling on the government to recognize the importance of investing in sports as a means of fostering national unity, promoting youth engagement, and ensuring a healthier, more productive society. The question now is whether the government will heed the call to prioritize sports and youth development, or whether the frustrations of Liberia’s sports community will remain unheard.