Liberia’s Lone Star belongs to every Liberian—not to the Unity Party, the CDC, the government or any individual.
That is why Rev. Dr. Luther Tarpeh should step aside as chairman of the Lone Star Mobilization Committee following his recent political outburst on Facebook.
Tarpeh has every right, as chairman of the Unity Party, to defend his party and criticize the opposition. But his responsibility as head of a committee mobilizing national support for the Lone Star is different. That position requires him to build bridges across political lines.
In his Facebook post, Tarpeh referred to some CDC supporters as “mentally deranged” and “crab mentality CDCians.” He also said that, without friends in the CDC, he would campaign to send some of them “somewhere else” so they could “leave our country alone.”
Such language is deeply at odds with the responsibility of mobilizing Liberians behind a national team.
The Lone Star needs the support of everyone—UP supporters, CDC supporters, members of other parties, independents, businesses and Liberians in the diaspora. Insulting political opponents does not build the national consensus required to finance and develop the team.
Tarpeh has himself highlighted the Lone Star’s financial difficulties, including concerns about accommodation and outstanding hotel bills. The committee has proposed a US$5 million fundraising target, making transparency and public confidence especially important.
Liberians therefore have legitimate questions: How much money has been raised? How is it being spent? Who controls the funds? What role do the LFA, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Executive Mansion and mobilization committee play? And will the public receive proper financial reporting?
These are not CDC questions or UP questions. They are national questions.
The previous administration’s record on football can be examined, but it cannot become a permanent excuse for avoiding scrutiny of the present government.
Liberia’s 3–1 defeat to Rwanda in the opening 2027 AFCON qualifier should also remind everyone that the focus must be on football—not political quarrels.
The LFA should therefore consider appointing a chairman who can engage supporters across Liberia’s political divide without making the mobilization effort appear partisan.
Tarpeh can continue his political work as Unity Party chairman. But the Lone Star needs a mobilizer who can speak to all Liberians.
The Lone Star must remain Liberia’s Lone Star—not the UP Star or the CDC Star.
When Liberia plays, Liberia should come first.
