Lomé, Togo – Dr. Mansourou Aremou, President of the Confederation of African Handball (CAHB), has revealed a detailed roadmap to accelerate the growth of handball in Liberia, marking a significant step in improving West African sports. The information was delivered at a high-level roundtable meeting that took place at the Sarakawa Hotel in Lomé on Friday, April 10, 2026.
The executive body of the Liberia National Handball Association (LNHA) and continental leadership were present at the conference. The Togolese Handball Federation President joined Dr. Aremou to formally greet the Liberian delegation, demonstrating the strong regional unity during the meeting.
Important topics of discussion included Liberia’s entry into the larger African handball competition scene, talent identification, and infrastructure development. Dr. Aremou praised the relentless nature and enthusiasm of Liberian athletes while speaking to stakeholders.
“I have realized that Liberians have a deep-seated love for handball, and the dream of these young athletes will not die,” he stated. “I encourage the leadership of the LNHA to remain positive and optimistic. There is immense untapped potential for the sport in Liberia, and the CAHB is committed to ensuring that potential is realized.”
Dr. Aremou made a significant diplomatic move by formally apologising to the Liberian delegation for the logistical difficulties that occurred at the Ghana–Togo border. The teams’ first games in the 2026 International Handball Trophy qualifiers were postponed due to the delays.
“I sincerely apologize for the challenges you faced. It is unfortunate that these circumstances affected your participation, and we are working on measures to prevent such occurrences in the future,” he added.
Responding, LNHA President J. Aratus Larkpor described the experience as a turning point for Liberian handball. “What has happened is a lesson learned. We remain committed to taking handball in Liberia to the next level. With the support of our continental leadership and our executive team, we are ready to professionalize the sport,” Larkpor said.
The LNHA leadership, which includes the Treasurer and its Vice Presidents for Administration and Operations, reaffirmed their dedication to grassroots growth and institutional reforms, putting up a united front for development.
The participation of notable Liberians, including Representative Steve Tequah and Marlee Velma Boakai, boosted the delegation even more. Their involvement gave them intimate knowledge of the difficulties experienced by national athletes.
When he returned, Representative Tequah promised to push for more robust legislative support. “I will present an official communication to Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon to push for legislation that increases budgetary and structural support for handball. Traveling with this delegation has been an eye-opener,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Marlee Velma Boakai emphasized the government’s commitment to youth development through sports. “The President remains deeply concerned about the welfare of young people. Handball presents a vital pathway for youth empowerment and national pride,” she noted.
As the roundtable concluded, a clear message emerged: despite recent logistical setbacks, Liberian handball has secured a strong ally in the CAHB. The commitment from Dr. Aremou coupled with legislative backing and renewed administrative drive signals the beginning of a promising new chapter for the sport in Liberia.
Reported by: Sylvester Tamba
