By Pewu Y. Sumo
MONROVIA – The Revolutionary National Youth League of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has issued a scathing rebuke of the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS), accusing the newly confirmed Minister, Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah, of abandoning her statutory mandate in favor of “political socialization.”
The CDC’s outcry follows an invitation from Minister Kruah for political youth leaders to attend an “inter-party acquaintance meeting” at the Bella Casa Hotel in Sinkor.
However, during a brief interaction with journalists on Friday night at the wake of Philip Taylor (son of former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor), Mr. Alvin Wesseh, who headed the CDC team, categorically rejected the Youth League’s participation in the event.
According to Wesseh, the current Minister of Youth and Sports has remained silent regarding allegations of the rape and sodomization of teenagers under the Unity Party-led government.
Wesseh’s comments were followed by an official press statement from the CDC Youth League, issued February 20, 2026. In the statement, the League characterized the Minister’s invitation as a “heart-breaking” display of misplaced priorities, alleging that the choice of venue is insensitive to past reports of exploitation at that location.
The League argues that the Ministry should prioritize Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs and job creation rather than hosting social gatherings at entertainment centers. The statement further highlighted the deterioration of the National Cadet Program and various “At-Risk Youth” empowerment initiatives.
Additionally, the CDC pointed to several “broken promises” from President Joseph Boakai’s 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA), including:
The failure to train 10,000 youth in digital skills.
The collapse of a $25 million STEM scholarship program involving NEKOTECH.
The lack of progress regarding the National Youth Service Program.
Economic Concerns
Citing World Bank data, the Youth League noted that approximately 70% of Liberian youth currently fall into the “NEET” category (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). The League accused the UP-led government of prioritizing the construction of party headquarters over addressing the national “drug epidemic” and rising unemployment.
“Young Liberians do not seek entertainment; they demand meaningful opportunities and sustainable solutions,” the statement, signed by Chairman Emmanuel M. Johnson, read.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has yet to issue an official response to the Youth League of the CDC over its decision to boycott the scheduled aquaintance meeting today.
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