The Ministry of Youth and Sports Reports on Gate Intakes for the 2023/2024 National County Sports Meet

Youth and Sports Minister, Jeror Cole Bangalu on Thursday, May 30,2024 presented the gate intakes report at a news conference at the SKD Sports in Paynesville.  The Youth and Sports Minister intimated that upon taking over the running of the Ministry, transparency would be one of the hallmarks, and the National County Sports Meet is no exception.

Minister Bangalu stressed that the National County Meet was not conducted in the form and manner he wanted it because it was already planned and organized before he became Minister.

He disclosed that the tickets were duplicated by some employees of the printing press that was contracted to print the tickets and the duplication significantly reduced the income generation from the quarter-finals to the grand finals of the National County Sports Meet.

Minister Bangalu stated that a vehicle was uncovered with thousands of tickets and about half a million Liberian dollars inside and some individuals were arrested, and the case is being forwarded to court.

According to Minister Bangalu, from the quarter-finals to the grand finals, the total monies generated were L$13,555,485 and US$31,213, and the total expenditures were L$6,295,554.50 and US$23,264.10.  The Ministry also paid 10% of the total amount generated to the Liberian Revenue Authority (LRA) as lawful tax. Cllr. Bangalu reported a total cash balance is L$7,259,930.50 and US$7,948.90.

In a related development, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has presented L$1,000,000.00 to the Senior Lone Star Football team as they prepare to honor their next soccer match in South Africa against Namibia, the Ministry also provided US$4,000.00 to Coach Mario Marinica for his upkeep.