Monrovia, Liberia – Liberia’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing sports development, pledging stronger support for initiatives aimed at strengthening the sector and elevating kickball as a uniquely Liberian sport deserving national and international recognition.
Delivering the keynote address at the 2nd Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL) Awards, Minister Ngafuan called for greater support and promotion of kickball, which he described as one of Liberia’s most unique cultural and sporting assets. According to the Minister, kickball should be legally protected, properly branded, and promoted internationally as a sport with Liberian roots.
“We all grew up believing kickball was played everywhere in the world, only to later discover that it is a Liberian innovation,” he narrated. “We must protect it, or risk losing ownership of something that belongs to us. We need to work with the Liberia Tourism Authority and other stakeholders to brand and market kickball as a national treasure.”
Minister Ngafuan assured stakeholders that the government would explore avenues to mobilize the resources needed to develop the sport and raise its profile both locally and internationally.
“Whatever resources are required to promote this sport, we will work to find them,” he pledged, adding that sports development should form part of broader national development strategies.
Minister Ngafuan also called for increased support to football and other sporting disciplines, expressing optimism that Liberia can one day qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
“That dream is achievable,” he insisted. “We can work toward the day when Liberians gather in stadiums and viewing centers across the country to watch our national team compete at the World Cup.”
Highlighting the government’s growing investment in the sector, Minister Ngafuan noted that the current fiscal budget includes a record increase in support for sports, and he committed to advocating for expanded allocations in future budgets to sustain growth and development.
Addressing an audience of journalists, athletes, sports officials, and government representatives, Minister Ngafuan paid tribute to the pioneers of sports journalism whose dedication helped shape the profession and promote sports in Liberia.
“Sports journalists may think their work is ordinary, but many young people look up to them as role models,” he intimated.
“Through your reporting, you are shaping minds, inspiring future generations, and contributing to national development.”
The Finance Minister emphasized the unifying power of sports and its role in creating opportunities for Liberia’s youthful population. He acknowledged that sports compete with other critical sectors such as education, agriculture, roads, and energy for government funding, but stressed that investing in sports remains essential to the country’s development agenda.
“Sports is a unifier,” he noted. “When Liberia wins, everyone celebrates regardless of their background. Sports gives hope to our young people and helps build a stronger nation.”
He further pledged continued support for media development and professional growth opportunities for sports journalists, recognizing their vital role in promoting excellence and national cohesion.
In closing, Minister Ngafuan congratulated all award recipients and encouraged both winners and nominees to remain committed to hard work and continuous improvement.
“Those who received awards should not rest on their achievements, and those who did not win should remain focused and keep striving for excellence,” he advised. “Excellence must always be our standard.”
The 2nd SWAL Awards recognized outstanding achievements in sports journalism and honored individuals and institutions that have contributed significantly to the growth and development of sports in Liberia.
The event brought together key stakeholders from the sports sector, government, media, and development community in a celebration of excellence, professionalism, and the transformative power of sports.