Liberia Chess Federation Rejects President’s Resignation 

–Officials say he must first address the Federation’s debt crisis

By: Thomas Kojo Roulhac

Monrovia- The president of the Liberia Chess Federation (LCF) Thomas Karyah’s resignation has been unanimously rejected by officials due to alleged financial uncertainty hanging over it.  Karyah answered continual calls from a few members, who believed that his leadership was not proceeding in the right direction.

Others also alleged that he was running the LCF without the involvement of officials, who were elected at the 2022 general assembly in Paynesville. Karyah led the LCF to many international competitions, including two World Chess Olympiads. 

He, however, decided to step down having been accused of mismanaging funds given by the government and other partners. “With a heart full of relief and optimism, I write to formally announce my resignation as LCF president with immediate effect. 

“I am relieved that this period of my life has finally come to an end and optimistic about the future of chess in Liberia. Serving as president of the LCF for the past 30 months has been an interesting journey and a great learning opportunity,” Karyahwrote. 

But LCF treasurer Martin Doe announced that Karyah’sresignation won’t be accepted.  “Our president wants to escape because of the amount of debt he placed on the financially struggling LCF. 

“Thomas made us indebted to creditors with over US$50,000 while the government of Liberia gave just US$38,000 from an expected US$47,000 for our recent travel to Hungary.  “Who do you expect to pay for the debt that you took in your name using our institution’s letterhead when you met us debt-free,” Doe asked at a news conference on 2 November.

For his part, LCF Vice President Gonkartee Dekpah wants a turnover note from Karyah before his resignation is accepted. Dekpah wants Karyah to inform all stakeholders, including the Ministries of Youth & Sports and Finance & Development Planning and international chess partners.