Monrovia, Liberia ~ Former Minister of Youth and Sports, D. Zeogar Wilson, has admitted that the administration of former President George Weah, despite its strong sporting background, failed to adequately lay the foundation for sustainable sports development in Liberia.
In an exclusive interview with a local media in Monrovia, Wilson acknowledged that while the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) government had several competing national priorities, more attention should have been given to the sports sector, especially considering its strategic importance and the professional backgrounds of many within the administration.
“As a government with people from the sporting background, we should have set the foundation for other governments to follow, but we did not do so,” Wilson stated candidly.
Although he pointed out some modest achievements during his tenure ~ such as the refurbishment of the Samuel K. Doe Sports Complex to meet CAF and FIFA standards, and the regular participation of national teams in international competitions ~ Wilson admitted these efforts fell short of the broader expectations for sports growth in the country.
Wilson was careful not to single out the current Unity Party-led administration for criticism, noting that the challenges facing sports development today mirror those faced by past governments, including his own.
“I can’t sit here to criticize this government from the sporting side because the same problems we faced are the same problems they are facing,” he emphasized.
The former minister expressed strong support for a proposed bill introduced by Senator Jonathan Boye-Charles Sogbie to establish a National Sports Authority, describing it as a critical step toward transforming the sports sector.
“This is one of the best ways to help develop the sector,” he said, while also recalling a similar initiative he championed during the Weah administration. That proposal included a special tax on cigarettes and alcoholic beverages to create a dedicated fund for sports development.
Wilson suggested the current government form a specialized committee to monitor and curb waste, fraud, and abuse in public spending, with savings redirected to fund sports. “If we raise five or ten million annually, that money can be budgeted exclusively to support sports,” he explained.
He also praised the work of Deputy Sports Minister Bryant McGill, who, during Wilson’s tenure as director, helped craft several proposals aimed at developing the sector. Wilson believes the successful passage and implementation of the Sports Authority bill would mark a significant victory for the country.
In a strong show of support for Liberia Football Association (LFA) President Mustapha Raji, Wilson called on the government to utilize Raji’s expertise and international contacts to elevate the country’s football standards.
“Raji has good contacts, good plans, and programs. We need to rally around him and his team. He may have some issues, but his passion and zest for football development in Liberia is unquenched,” Wilson said, adding that even former LFA Presidents Edwin Snowe and Musa Bility have recognized Raji’s efforts.
Looking ahead, Wilson emphasized the need to invest in grassroots programs and youth development if Liberia is to compete globally in the future.
“We need good youth programs—well-structured and supported. With that, we can do well in the future,” he said. “The way out is real support and investment.”
The former minister’s remarks come at a time when the government is under increasing pressure to revitalize sports, especially football, which remains the most popular sport in Liberia. His comments add to the ongoing national conversation about the need for a comprehensive, well-funded, and long-term sports development strategy.
