-Amid Calls for Permanent Headquarters
By: Sampat JMB Kpakimah
Monrovia – Liberia has held the West Africa Zonal Scout Conference for the second time, with the 16th edition currently underway at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town. The first conference was held in 2009 during the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Liberia once played a significant role in global scouting and was described as a trailblazer across various sectors, despite challenges faced by the organization over the years.
While expressing deep gratitude for hosting the conference, it was noted with regret that after more than a hundred years, the Liberia Scouting Association remains without a permanent home. “We do not have a place we can truly call our own. This is very sad, and it must change,” a representative of the association stated on Friday.
Appreciation was extended to past administrations and the current government under President Joseph Nyumah Boakai for both personal and governmental financial contributions to the organization. A direct call was made to President Boakai to initiate and dedicate the construction of a permanent headquarters for the Liberia Scouting Association.
Speaking on behalf of the African Scout Committee, committee member Joseph Chidi Themedu praised the impressive turnout and Liberia’s hospitality. He also urged President Boakai to heed the call for a new facility, noting that the current location in Oldest Congo Town, hosted at the YWCA, is unsuitable. “A father cannot be alive while his child suffers,” he remarked, stressing the urgency of constructing a proper home for the association. He further noted that the West Africa Scouting region continues to demonstrate strong unity, with the highest representation on the continental committee.
Meanwhile, Immediate Past President of the Liberia Scouting Association, Senator Conmany B. Wesseh, expressed pride in the country’s progress, stating that the successful hosting of the conference signals Liberia’s readiness to reclaim its place on the international stage. “For a long time, the Liberia Scouting Association has been in the wilderness, but today marks a new chapter,” he said.
Senator Wesseh reflected emotionally on the presence of international participants, noting that many of the attending countries had supported Liberia during its civil war, with some losing lives through ECOWAS interventions. “I feel proud seeing these flags here today—countries that came to our rescue during the war. Hats off to all of you,” he said. He commended the government for its renewed attention to the scouting movement and revealed that this year’s conference has attracted the highest number of foreign participants in Liberia’s history. Wesseh also pledged to collaborate with the Ministry of Youth and Sports to ensure the construction of a new headquarters, disclosing that the revised draft of the association’s act has been submitted to the Legislature for review.
At the same event, Speaker of the 55th Legislature, Richard Nagbe Koon, pledged his support toward the construction of a new facility for the association. However, he cautioned Liberians to be responsible in their public statements, referencing the recent expulsion of District #10 lawmaker Yekeh Kolubah, which he described as a tough but necessary decision. “Gone are the days when people speak loosely. You must have evidence before making statements,” Koon said.
Representing the Government of Liberia, Deputy Minister from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Henry Younton, highlighted the historical role of scouting in promoting discipline, community service, and mentorship among young people. He congratulated the Liberia Scouting Association for its progress and encouraged it to continue strengthening its impact. He also welcomed international guests, describing Liberia as a hospitable nation. The Deputy Minister expressed hope that Liberia would host future conferences and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining the scouting movement.
The 16th West Africa Zonal Scouting Conference began on Monday and concluded on Saturday, April 18, 2026, with a cultural celebration.
