Minister Kruah Begins Phase II of Decentralization Tour in Gbah Jakeh, Bomi County
Minister Kruah Begins Phase II of Decentralization Tour in Gbah Jakeh, Bomi County
Minister of Youth and Sports, Honorable Cllr. Cornelia W. Kruah has officially commenced Phase II of her nationwide decentralization tour in Gbah Jakeh, Bomi County, marking a significant step in the Ministry’s effort to redefine youth engagement across Liberia.
This much-anticipated initiative represents a strategic shift from a centralized, Montserrado-focused approach, where programs were often replicated across counties, to a more inclusive, grassroots-driven model. The new approach prioritizes direct engagement with young people in their communities, allowing the Ministry to better understand their unique needs, challenges, and aspirations.
At the heart of this strategy is collaboration; the Ministry aims to work closely with local authorities, youth groups, and community-based organizations in every county to advance a shared youth development agenda. By fostering these partnerships, the Ministry envisions a system where local communities take ownership of programs designed to empower their young people.
Minister Kruah emphasized that her mission aligns with the Government’s ARREST Agenda, championed by His Excellency President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr. She stressed the importance of ensuring that the benefits of this national development framework reach young people across Liberia. According to the Minister, sustainable youth interventions must be shaped by the voices of the youth themselves, reflecting their lived realities, experiences, and ambitions.
A key concern emerging from engagements in concession areas, including Gbah Jakeh, is the critical gap in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Many young people highlighted the absence of training centers tailored to meet the specific skill demands of concession companies operating in their regions.
During an interactive session at the Gbah Intellectual Center, the overwhelming majority of participants called for the establishment of TVET institutions that would equip them with practical, market-relevant skills and enhance their employability.
Demonstrating her commitment to responsive leadership, Minister Kruah carefully documented the concerns raised and assured the young people that their top priorities would be addressed as part of the Ministry’s ongoing interventions.
The launch of Phase II in Gbah Jakeh not only reinforces the Ministry’s commitment to decentralization but also signals a transformative approach, one that places young people at the center of national development and policy design.
