MONROVIA, LIBERIA — Eugene Tuan Wleh Williams, who is positioning himself for Liberia’s 2029 presidential election, has proposed the creation of two separate government ministries focused on sports and entertainment, as well as youth affairs and development.
Williams says the proposed ministries would address longstanding gaps in government support for Liberian athletes, entertainers and young people, arguing that each sector requires dedicated institutional attention to unlock its potential.
Under his proposed administration, a Ministry of Sports and Entertainment would be established to protect talent, promote creativity, strengthen the sporting and entertainment industries, and create sustainable economic opportunities for professionals in both sectors.
Williams said Liberia must develop a system that supports athletes and entertainers beyond their moments of public recognition, noting that many individuals who once brought pride and recognition to the country have eventually been left without adequate support.
“Talent should not end in poverty, and fame should not end in abandonment,” he said.
He argued that athletes, musicians, actors, comedians and other creative professionals should not be celebrated only when they achieve success but should also benefit from policies and institutions that protect their livelihoods and recognize their contributions.
The proposed ministry, according to Williams, would focus on talent development, investment in sports and entertainment, industry promotion and the creation of sustainable opportunities for people whose skills contribute to national identity and economic growth.
Separate Ministry for Youth Development
Williams also proposed establishing a Ministry of Youth Affairs and Development, which would have a separate mandate focused on empowering young people and preparing them for greater participation in national development.
The proposed ministry would oversee youth empowerment, student affairs, leadership development, academic advancement, mentorship programmes, children’s rights, social justice advocacy and collaboration with youth and student organizations across Liberia.
He said the separation was necessary to ensure that youth development receives direct policy attention rather than being treated as a secondary responsibility within the sports and entertainment sector.
Williams emphasized that sports and entertainment professionals are not necessarily young people, making it important to distinguish between the development of professional talent and the broader needs of the youth population.
Under his proposal, the Ministry of Sports and Entertainment would serve athletes and entertainers across different age groups, while the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Development would concentrate on educational advancement, leadership, mentorship, youth participation and the protection of young people’s rights.
A Vision Ahead of 2029
The two proposals form part of Williams’ emerging governance vision as Liberia approaches the 2029 presidential elections.
His position places sports, entertainment and youth development among the areas he believes deserve greater government investment and institutional support.
However, establishing the proposed ministries would require detailed policy frameworks, financial planning, clearly defined responsibilities and the necessary legislative processes.
The proposals also raise broader questions about how a future administration would fund the institutions, avoid duplication of existing government functions and measure their impact on national development.
For Williams, the central message is that Liberia must move beyond recognizing talent and celebrating young people to building institutions that provide lasting opportunities, protect professional contributions and support the next generation.
