WANKERLEH, THE WOMAN, THE SERVANT, THE TIME! -Tsunamic Endorsements for Young Minister of Youth & Sports-designate

By Jerome Carngbe

When the news broke on Thursday, January 22, 2026, that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai had nominated Cornelia Wankerleh Kruah, his current Deputy Minister of State for Administration, to serve as Minister proper for the Ministry of Youth & Sports, one of the most strategic ministries in the cabinet, jubilations erupted across the youth and student community and beyond, irrespective of political orientation and affiliation. At street corners, political corridors, school campuses, intellectual centers, market places, board rooms, etc, the echo was, and is still familiar—a general is nominated from within the ranks of her own army; a sailor, diver, and fisherwoman is called upon to captain the ship on familiar waters. With widespread hope and confidence, cheers and nodding were, and are visible, loud and consistent, that Cornelia Wankerleh Kruah is the name and character for the job, the task and the challenge!

But yet, as expected though, some usual suspects, a grossly tiny minority, blinded by hate, tied to political indoctrination, and enslaved by intragenerational envy, in dimmed, faint, pointless and inconsequential manners, tried to, not question her qualification, competence, preparedness, willingness and readiness to handle the new task to which has been called, but to attempt to aim at her tested and incontestably proven family upbringing, and morally towering deportment and comportment. That, too, like many other pitiful energies before, failed and wasted in the dust bin.

Thunderous approvals, validations and endorsements continue to pour in from all walks of life. Student and youth organizations, gender and human rights advocacy groups, community and civil society organizations, former and current public servants, professionals, and development partners alike, are confident that, Cornelia, judging from her proven record of trust, commitment and effective approach to duty, would deliver to expectation and justify the President’s confidence.

The Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL) said President Boakai’s decision to appoint Cornelia Deputy Minister of State for Administration and her nomination as Minister of Youth & Sports signifies his commitment to gender inclusion.

WONGOSOL believes the President’s move would help narrow the current 15–85 gender gap in government appointments.

As Atty. Kruah appears before the Senate on Friday, January 30, 2026, for confirmation hearing, the women and human rights advocacy group called on senators to swiftly and favorably confirm Atty. Kruah, adding that confirming her would represent a significant step toward improving women’s representation in national leadership.

The Women NGOs Secretariat is a non-governmental, non-discriminatory, and secular women’s organization established in 1998. It serves as the umbrella body for more than 250 women-led organizations across Liberia’s 15 counties, working to empower women and girls, promote gender equality, advance women’s participation in governance and peacebuilding, and uphold human rights.

For its part, the Organization of West Africa Youth (OWAY), has lauded President Boakai for nominating Atty. Cornelia W. Kruah as Liberia’s Minister of Youth and Sports. OWAY termed the President’s decision as a major step toward strengthening youth inclusion in governance.

In a statement issued Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the regional youth organization said the nomination reflects the President’s commitment to empowering young people and recognizing their role in national development, noting that Kruah’s selection signals confidence in youth leadership and underscores a broader push for generational transition in public service.

The organization said the new minister’s leadership is expected to advance inclusive policies, youth-focused reforms and strategic programs aimed at skill development, sports promotion and expanded participation of young people in national affairs.

In congratulating Atty. Kruah, the Deputy Secretary General of the Federation of Liberian Youths (FLY) and Vice President of the Water Youth Network (WYN), Samuel James Kpartor, described the nomination as a reflection of confidence in a leader whose record speaks clearly—disciplined in public service, strong policy grounding, and a lifelong commitment to youth empowerment, inclusion, and national development.

“Her blend of legal expertise, economic insight, and practical leadership positions her well to steward a ministry that sits at the heart of Liberia’s future,” Kpartor noted.

He emphasized that at the time when young people are calling for opportunity, structure, and vision, there’s renewed confidence that the Ministry of Youth and Sports, under her leadership, will deliver purpose-driven and results-oriented interventions.

“I look forward to working closely with the Honorable Minister  to advance youth-centered policies, unlock pathways for skills development, sports, and innovation, and ensure that young Liberians are not spectators—but active drivers of national progress,” he concluded.

In its congratulatory message, the Liberia Kickball Federation (LKF) welcomed the nomination of Atty. Cornelia Wankerleh Kruah, applauding President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for promoting gender-inclusiveness in governance.

In a press statement released Thursday, January 22, the Federation commended the President for the nomination, describing it as a timely move that promises to inject renewed energy and professionalism into the nation’s sports and youth sectors.

The LKF expressed strong confidence in Atty. Kruah’s ability to drive a transformative agenda, particularly for underrepresented sporting disciplines.

As a federation governing a sport primarily played by women and girls in Liberia, the LKF emphasized its eagerness to collaborate with Atty. Kruah, adding that the federation looks forward to a productive partnership aimed at fostering unity, discipline, and national pride through sports.

Ahead of her expected swift confirmation by the Senate, congratulatory messages and endorsements statements continue to flow from national and regional youth organizations, gender advocacy groups, political alliances and intellectual movements.

Atty. Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah is a young Liberian public servant and advocate for youth and women’s empowerment. She has more than 6 years experience working in the public sector in various administrative roles, beginning 2014. On January 21, 2018, because of her enormous contributions to the cause of efficient and effective management, benefiting Liberia, she was admitted into the Order of the Star of Africa as an Officer by Her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. She was also awarded the 2023 National Golden Image  “Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Courage Award” for leadership.

Cornelia is an Attorney-At-Law and has an MA in International Politics and Economics from the Kingston University in London, United Kingdom. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the Stella Maris Polytechnic in Liberia and a certificate in Leadership, Entrepreneurship and African Studies from the African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg, South Africa.

In November 2018, Cornelia contested as a candidate of the former ruling Unity Party and came 3rd of 11 candidates for Representative of District 13, Montserrado County. She later re-contested for this position in October 2023 where she came 2nd out of 28 candidates. Cornelia is the immediate past National Assistant Secretary General for Press, Publicity & Outreach (Official Spokesperson) and current National Vice Chair for Inter-Party Relations and NEC Affairs of the Unity Party.

She is an inaugural member of the Amujae Initiative of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center that aims at shifting the landscape for women in public leadership in Africa, moving from a culture of tokenism to one that truly values women leaders. Presently, she serves as the Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs where she implements key national policies, activities and Presidential Priority Projects.