LIBERIA’S YOUTH AGENDA FACES FUNDING REALITY AS SPORTS MINISTER CALLS FOR US$20 MILLION ANNUAL BUDGET

Monrovia, Liberia: Liberia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Cornelia Kruah, says the government will require no less than US$20 million annually to effectively operate and expand youth development programs across the country.

Speaking on the growing challenges facing Liberia’s young population, Minister Kruah emphasized that the proposed funding would support nationwide initiatives aimed at skills training, sports development, empowerment programs, education support, and community engagement opportunities for thousands of young Liberians.

“We will need at least US$20 million annually to run all our youth programs across the country to benefit young people,” the Minister stated.

In a remark that sparked public discussion, Minister Kruah added that the government also intends to include citizens above the age of 40 who still identify with youth-related opportunities and empowerment programs.

The statement comes as Liberia continues to battle rising youth unemployment, limited vocational opportunities, and increasing demands for government investment in empowerment initiatives. Youths make up a significant portion of Liberia’s population, with many calling for stronger state support in job creation, entrepreneurship, sports, and technical education.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports remains one of the key government institutions responsible for shaping programs targeting national youth development, social inclusion, and talent advancement across Liberia.