Accountability Questions Emerge Against Sports Steering Committee
By Emmanuel Koffa
BARCLAYVILLE, Liberia – Grand Kru County’s celebrated run to the football final at the National County Sports Meet has been overshadowed by mounting concerns over unpaid debts, weeks after the end of the National Sports Meet.
There are reports of accountability questions now directed at the county’s Sports Steering Committee.
County Development Officer Joe Sekpeh has publicly acknowledged that several players and vendors remain unpaid despite the county’s strong showing in the tournament. The disclosure has intensified scrutiny over the financial management of the team’s participation and the oversight role of the Sports Steering Committee.
According to Mr. Sekpeh, the county is relying on a US$5,000 balance expected from the Ministry of Youth & Sports, along with an additional US$5,000 donation reportedly pledged to participating counties by ArcelorMittal, to settle the outstanding obligations.
However, critics argue that the controversy exposes deeper structural concerns. Questions are now being raised about whether the Sports Steering Committee secured firm financial commitments before engaging players and vendors, and whether there was a clear, transparent budget to support the county’s campaign.
Frustration among players is reportedly growing, with some considering staging a peaceful protest and taking their grievances to the media. Vendors who provided services during the competition are also said to be awaiting payment, further compounding the pressure.
Observers note that while the county demonstrated unity and determination on the field, the off-field financial management now faces public examination. Allegations that some stakeholders have been unresponsive to calls for meetings have added to concerns about transparency and collective responsibility.
Sekpeh has called for calm and unity, stressing that the outstanding obligations belong to Grand Kru County as a whole. Yet many within the sporting community insist that unity must be accompanied by accountability—particularly from those entrusted with managing the county’s sports affairs.
As tensions rise, the Sports Steering Committee faces increasing calls to provide clarity on the county’s financial position, timelines for payment, and the steps being taken to prevent similar controversies in future tournaments.
What was once a proud sporting achievement now stands as a critical test of governance and accountability in Grand Kru County’s sports administration.