MRU's Montserrado Youth Caucus Backs Atty. Kruah's Youth and Sports Ministerial Nomination

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: The Montserrado Caucus of the Mano River Union Youth Parliament has described the nomination of Atty. Cornelia Kruah as Liberia's Minister of Youth and Sports as "legally grounded" amid criticisms that her appointment violates the Executive Law.

Atty. Cornelia Kruah was nominated as Youth and Sports Minister on January 21, 2026, by President Joseph Boakia, to replace Cllr. Jerror Cole Bangalu who has been appointed to the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission.

Atty. Kruah who previously served as Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of State, latest post has come under scrutiny, with some citizens stating that her nomination contravenes the 1972 Executive Law Title 12, Liberia Code of Laws Revised.

One of the critics, J. Gabriel Nyenka, a Former Montserrado County Lawmaker has called for the rejection of Kruah's nomination

through a communication forwarded to the Liberian Senate.

He argued that President Joseph Boakia failed to consider Part II, Chapter 10, Section 10.2, of the Executive Law, which demands the appointment of at least one member of the cabinet from each county of the republic-emphasis supplied.

But in a sharp response to growing criticisms over the nomination, the MRU Montserrado County Youth Parliament characterized them as "legally unsustainable and constitutionally misleading."

In a recent press statement, signed by Jamaima S. Tweh, a Parliamentarian representing Montserrado County and Chairperson on Gender and Inclusion, of the Caucus, added that the nomination is justified by a phrase under Section 10.2 of the Executive Law, which indicates “as far as practicable", in county representation of cabinet appointment.

This nuance, they argue, establishes a guiding principle rather than a strict legal obligation. 

The caucus further stated that according to Article 54 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, the President has the constitutional authority to nominate Cabinet Ministers, subject to the consent of the Senate.

According to them, the authority is discretionary and should be exercised in the broader national interest, taking into account competence, integrity, and effective governance. 

“Constitutional guarantees of equality and non-discrimination must be upheld,”. “To deny a qualified Liberian citizen public office based on geography or age contradicts both the letter and spirit of our Constitution", the MRU Youth Parliament Montserrado Caucus noted.

Highlighting the importance of the appointment, the Caucus emphasized that Atty. Kruah’s youthfulness should be seen as an asset rather than a liability.

With the majority of Liberia's population under the age of 35, they stressed that meaningful youth engagement in governance is essential for the nation's future.

The group also underscored that the nomination supports gender equity in government. They noted that women are still underrepresented in senior positions and that nominating women in ministerial positions is a necessary step toward achieving inclusive governance and social justice. 

“Atty. Cornelia Kruah possesses the professional qualifications, legal training, and leadership capacity necessary for effective public leadership,” the statement asserted. “Public offices should be accessible to all qualified citizens, not just the politically entrenched citizens.”

As the Senate prepares to review Atty. Cornelia Kruah’s nomination, the Montserrado Caucus has urged the body to evaluate the nomination based on constitutional merit and the national interest.