Joint Resolution to Host ‘2019 African Cup of Nations’ Underway
-To Support Liberia-2030 Vision and place Liberia on pedestal of progress and prosperity


                               Lofa County Representative Eugene Allah Kpakar.


By Leroy M. Sonpon

A Joint Resolution for Liberia to bid for the hosting of the 2019 African Cup of Nations has been overwhelming voted for by the Plenary of the House of Representatives and sent to the House Committees’ on Ways, Means and Finance and Judiciary.

The House’s Committees have been mandated to seek expert opinion about how can Liberia successfully host the continental football tournament, and report to Plenary within a month.

Liberia’s intent to bid for the 2019 African Cup of Nations’ through a Joint Resolution is the second time it has been introduced to the National Legislature, by Lofa County Representative Eugene Allah Kpakar.

During the 52nd Legislature, the bill was introduced for the country to bid for the competition but later suffered a setback.

According to the Joint Resolution, Liberia, as a country need to promote national healing and genuine reconciliation through soccer which is the most acclaimed sport in Liberia to buttress government’s effort in strengthening peaceful co-existence with its citizens and to extend bonds of friendship and solidarity with the peoples of Africa.

It (Joint Resolution) said cognizant of Liberia’s role as a fledging democratic country which has played within Africa and considering that Liberia merits the opportunity to host a continental fiesta as the African Cup of Nations to replicate a post conflict nation Angola and many other countries such as Burkina Faso, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, etc, to clearly showcase Liberian talents and hospitality as one of Africa’s success stories.

The Joint Resolution orders the Chief Patron of Sports, the President of the Republic to proceed in setting up a task force comprising relevant stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Liberia Football Association and other personalities and institutions that have expressed willingness in the development and promotion of the game in Liberia.

“Taking into account the economic benefits and revenue accruals that such venture brings to the national treasury, and realizing that this tournament will put money in the pockets of local Liberian entrepreneurs; convinced that the hosting of said continental tournament in Liberia will buttress government’s Lift Liberia-Vision 2030, where Liberia will be placed on the pedestal of progress and prosperity,” the Joint Resolution said.