By Patrick Teah, Jr.
BARCLAYVILLE, Grand Kru County – February 15, 2026 – Despite finishing as runners-up at the recently concluded Liberia National County Sports Meet, Grand Kru County teams are planning to stage a protest over unpaid allowances and unsettled bills.
Joe Sekpeh, the county’s Development Officer, shared in the Grand Kru Sports WhatsApp Chatroom that players and vendors remain unpaid despite the county’s strong performance, particularly in football, where Grand Kru reached the final before losing to Nimba County.
According to Sekpeh, the only hope for clearing these obligations is the balance payment of US$5,000 from the Ministry of Youth & Sports, along with a promised US$5,000 donation from ArcelorMittal to all counties.
“The situation now looks like almost every stakeholder and member want to neglect the pending bills and are even refusing to answer their phones or attend calls,” Sekpeh wrote. He added that players and teams are considering demonstrating at his residence and escalating their concerns on social media and to the press.
Sekpeh urged all stakeholders to remain positive and work collaboratively to fulfill the county’s obligations. “Let’s close this chapter successfully, as we did by qualifying for the football final. All remaining obligations are for Grand Kru County, not the Development Sector,” he stated.
The matter highlights ongoing challenges in funding and supporting athletes at national events, raising questions about accountability and timely disbursement of promised allowances.
