By Jeremiah B. Gayflor II
SANNIQUELLIE CITY, NIMBA COUNTY — Sports journalists covering Nimba County’s participation in the National County Sports Meet have expressed serious frustration and disappointment over what they describe as illegal maltreatment by the county’s Sports Steering Committee and the Head of Media.
The journalists allege that while individuals hired by the Sports Steering Committee — including administrative officials, technical staff, support staff, and both kickball and football players—are reportedly paid directly from the county’s coffers, receiving no less than US$500 each, sports journalists covering the event are paid what they described as “peanut money,” allegedly below US$150. They characterized the disparity as both corruption and disservice to the media community.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, several sports journalists said that despite their passion for sports and commitment to covering the county, they have been forced to seek financial assistance from community members just to afford transportation across Nimba County to report on games.
According to the journalists, when they sought the intervention of county authorities over the issue, the Head of Media, Mr. Christopher Fahn, reportedly considered their concerns an insult and allegedly went further to complain about them to their respective radio station managers.
The journalists further disclosed that they submitted a proposed budget of US$3,280, intended to cover the work of eight radio stations, three television platforms, and two photojournalists, including Nimba TV, which is owned and operated by Mr. Fahn himself. They also claimed that Mr. Fahn is expected to receive a separate salary as Public Relations Officer (PRO) from the Sports Steering Committee.
However, according to Mr. Fahn, who addressed the journalists at Radio Nimba in Sanniquellie following Nimba County’s second game, the submitted US$3,280 budget was reduced by the committee to US$2,000, out of which US$1,000 was paid to cover the preliminary round.
The journalists alleged that during the payment process, Mr. Fahn informed them that LRD 23,000 would be shared between himself and his deputy, while each media institution would receive LRD 12,000.
Efforts to reach Christopher Fahn, Head of Media Nimba County teams went fruitless.
The matter has sparked growing concern among media practitioners in the county, many of whom are calling on county authorities and relevant oversight institutions to investigate the alleged unfair treatment and ensure transparency and equity in the handling of media affairs related to the National County Sports Meet.
