LOMÉ, TOGO – Dr. Mansourou Aremou, President of the Confederation of African Handball (CAHB), has effectively provided a detailed strategy to speed up the growth of handball in Liberia, which is a historic step for the future of West African sports.
At a high-profile roundtable meeting that brought together the core executive body of the Liberia National Handball Association (LNHA) and continental leadership on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the esteemed Hotel Sarakawa in Lomé.
A sense of professional cooperation and regional unity pervaded the meeting. Hornelle Gbetotto mediated and led the conversations, emphasizing the significance of strategic branding and awareness in expanding the sport throughout the continent. Auguste Dogbo joined the meeting, welcoming the Liberian delegation and promising the assistance of his organization for international sporting endeavors.
Speaking to the audience, Dr. Aremou conveyed his deep respect for the tenacity of Liberian athletes. Dr. Aremou said, “I’ve come to realize that Liberians have a deep-seated love for handball, and the dream of these young athletes will not die.”
“I encourage the leadership of the LNHA to stay positive and remain optimistic. There is immense, untapped potential for the sport in Liberia, and the CAHB is committed to ensuring that potential is realized.”
The CAHB President formally apologized to the Liberian delegation for the logistics challenges at the Ghana–Togo border in a momentous diplomatic event. The Liberian teams were unable to play their first games in the 2026 International Handball Trophy qualifiers due to these unanticipated delays. “I truly regret the difficulties you encountered. It is very regrettable that your participation was impacted by these conditions, Dr. Aremou continued.
The Liberia National Handball Association President, J. Aratus Larkpor, responded to the CAHB President’s gesture by describing the tour as a crucial turning point. Larkpor said, “What has happened is a lesson learned.”
The executive leadership of the Liberia National Handball Association, which was present at Hotel Sarakawa, including Vice President for Administration Varney Kawah, Vice President for Operations Samuel A. Hasay, and the Treasurer of the Liberia National Handball Association, further reinforced the organization’s mission. Collectively, they emphasized a cohesive front to change the association’s grassroots outreach and internal institutions.
Prominent Liberians including Steve Tequah and Marlee Velma Boakai supported the delegation. Mr. Larkpor praised their participation, pointing out that their presence on the ground gave them a personal glimpse at the challenges athletes encounter when representing the country overseas.
Marlee Velma Boakai, who represents the Executive Mansion’s humanitarian point of view, underlined the President intend to prioritize sports. “The President is very concerned about Liberia’s youth development,” she said. “My father always asks what more can be done to improve the lives of young people whenever I am around him.”
The conclusion of the roundtable at Hotel Sarakawa was straightforward: Liberian handball has earned a strong ally in the CAHB, regardless of the challenges at the border.
