Liberian most celebrated soccer star and former Paris Saint-Germain playmaker, James Salinsa Debbah, has evoked a national debate. And we thought to weigh in. What did Debbah say? “JNB is The Best President ever in terms of football development, hands-down.” These were his exact words.
Even though Debah did not provide sufficient numbers and pointers to empirically back his proposition. But let’s take it from where he stopped. Is Debbah right about investment in sports including football? Yes.
Give this one to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. Commend when it is commendable. Thank you, President Boakai. This is NOT politics. It is a fact backed by numbers. Let’s break it down for everyone to understand:
I) Joseph Boakai in 3 years (2024-2026):
Sports Services (All sports including football):
FY2024: US$3,442,583
FY2025: US$3,356,560
FY2026: US$6,064,689
Total, FY2024-2026: US$12,863,832
II) George Weah in 6 years (2018-2023):
Sports Services (All sports including football):
FY2018: US$1,542,927
FY2019: US$1,110,274
FY2020: US$1,542,927
FY2021: US$1,302,432
FY2022: US$4,742,980
FY2023: US$2,416,126
Total, FY2018-2023: US$12,657,666
Key Findings:
- Former President George Weah’s first 3 years in power, he spent a total of US$4.19 million on sports including football while President Joseph Boakai’s first 3 years in power, he spent US$12.8 million on sports including football. This means that Boakai spent US$8.67 million more than Weah, which constitutes 206.56% more.
- In year one, Boakai spent US$1.89 million more than Weah, constituting 123.14%.
- In 6 years, Weah spent a total of US$12.6 million on sports including football while in 3 years, Boakai has already spent US$12.8 million. This means that Boakai has spent US$206,166 more in 3 years than Weah spent in 6 years combined, constituting 1.63% more.
- If Boakai continues on this spending trend from FY2027 to FY2029, he will have spent at least US$25.7 million on sports alone including football development. This means that he will have no competitor whatsoever in terms of investment in sports including football. Boakai US$25.7 million versus Weah US$12.6 million in 6 years? Boakai will have spent US$13.06 million more than Weah on sports including football, constituting 103.26% more.
So, yes, Debbah is right. That’s why we had to make it simple like this for everyone to understand. Give credit to President Boakai on this one. Comparatively, he’s far ahead on investment in sports including football. For easy reference, we have attached a table and a graph. These simple analyses are important for our people to clearly see and grasp. This helps to end long arguments/quarrels among citizens. The truth is what matter. In it all, LIBERIA FIRST.
Data Source: Actuals and Outturns (Expenditure Reports), Approved National Budget from FY2018 to FY2026, Republic of Liberia 🇱🇷.
About The Author: Martin K. N. Kollie is a Liberian activist in exile and a former student leader in Liberia
