Liberia Sports Minister Praises Amputee Team

Othello Sarweh Nimely

‎ Monrovia-December 5, 2025: Youth & Sports Minister Cllr. J. Jerror Cole Bangalu has praised the national amputee football team, saying they have brought him more joy than the senior national football team, the Lone Star, since he took office.

‎Speaking at a program held at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, attended by more than 500 persons living with disabilities, Minister Bangalu said the amputee team has demonstrated exceptional dedication, often surpassing other national teams in their effort to bring pride to the nation.

According to him, although limited support for the disable sports, the amputee team has continued to push for victory and bring international recognition to Liberia. His comments come following the team’s recent second-place win at the Para Olympic Football Games in Nigeria, a performance widely celebrated across the country.

‎The Minister’s remarks have also sparked scrutiny of the senior Lone Star, whose performance has been disappointing despite significant government support. The national team is currently out of both the World Cup and African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

‎During the event, Cllr. Bangalu used the platform to advocate for the rights of persons living with disabilities, emphasizing that they deserve equal access to education, free speech, and public infrastructure.

‎“Every Liberian should be treated with dignity despite their condition,” he said, warning that Liberia cannot progress if any group continues to be marginalized. ‎He added that every able-bodied person should recognize that disability can happen to anyone at any time.

‎His call for improved accessibility highlighted long-standing challenges faced by disabled citizens visiting public spaces. A similar struggle was witnessed during the National Observance of the International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities 2025, where many participants were seen climbing long flights of stairs or being lifted by others due to the lack of wheelchair-friendly facilities.

‎Cllr. Bangalu reaffirmed his commitment to championing policies that uplift and empower the disability community, promising practical reforms aimed at ensuring equal opportunities and respect for all Liberians.

Alphonso Toweh

Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets  including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and  did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters 
 He holds first  MA with honors in International  Relations and a  candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict  Resolution from the University of Liberia.