President Joseph Nyuma Boakai through his Press Secretary, Kola Fofana, has defended the reason behind the appointment of a Senegalese, Alioune Kebe, as Ambassador-At-Large for Youth and Sports Development.
Speaking Friday, April 26, 2024 at the Executive Mansion in Monrovia, Madam Fofana said Kebe was appointed by President Boakai for his dedication and contribution to Sports development in Liberia and his invaluable contribution to the training of youth.
According to her, the appointment of the Senegalese brings justice to the sports sector; adding that Liberia is a country of sports lovers.
“The President is very concerned about the sector that is why he brings the best of minds and the best of talents; but more importantly, people with the interest, people who are interested in ensuring that grassroots sports and grassroots football or soccer is well developed,” she justified.
Fofana stated that the appointment of Kebe is one of such, especially as a former international footballer, who has invested in sporting activities.
She indicated that the appointment of Kebe is to bring international and local attention to help support, build and transform the sporting sector in Liberia.
The Presidential Press Secretary stressed: “As Ambassador, Kebe will work along with the Liberia Football Association (LFA) and sports lovers to put hands around the national team and work with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to bring back the energy that sports have.”
“I have understood all of the different conversations (criticism), but the President’s interest is to bring the best minds together to help build our team, promote sports and help develop Liberia,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Press Secretary has asked Liberians to give Kebe the benefit of the doubt to see what he can bring in terms of investment to the sporting sector before criticizing him.
She explained that the decision of the President to appoint the Senegalese is in the best interest of the national team and the sporting sector at large.
On April 10, 2024, President Boakai appointed Kebe as Ambassador at Large for Youth and Sports Development. The appointment by the President has been heavily criticized by stakeholders and executives within the sporting sector.
Stakeholders and executives within the sector argued that Kebe at no time worked to help improve the sector and have not made any tangible contribution to Sports development in Liberia contrary to what was mentioned in his appointment letter.
