Published: August 11, 2025
MONROVIA — Christopher C. Walker has resigned as vice president of the Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL), accusing the organization’s leadership of “consistent disrespect and disregard” and failing to uphold transparency and accountability.
In a resignation letter dated Aug. 9, 2025, to SWAL President Varmah A. Kamara, Walker — a sports editor at FrontPage Africa — said his decision came “after deep personal reflection and with a heavy heart,” and was effective immediately.
He accused Kamara’s administration of refusing to audit the previous leadership, which Kamara served in as vice president, saying such a review was “essential to restoring trust and integrity.”
“It is increasingly clear that your leadership style lacks the accountability, openness, and integrity needed to move our association forward,” Walker wrote. “I cannot, in good conscience, continue to be part of a leadership that fails to live up to the basic principles of transparency and service to its members.”
Walker apologized to members who elected him, saying his values would not allow him to remain in a team “that refuses to be accountable to the very people it serves.” He expressed hope that future SWAL leadership would reflect the professionalism and integrity Liberian sports journalism deserves.
Resignation Accepted
In an official response, Kamara accepted Walker’s resignation, expressing regret but thanking him for his service.
“While your departure is regrettable, I accept your resignation and thank you for the time and service you have rendered to the Association,” Kamara said. “Leadership is never without its challenges, and your contributions during your tenure are duly noted.”
Citing Article 12, Section 2F of the SWAL constitution, Kamara named Secretary General Edwin Dolo as acting vice president until a by-election is held within 90 days. He assured members that the leadership remains committed to its objectives and will follow constitutional procedures to fill the vacancy.
First-Time Voters React
The First-Time Voters of SWAL condemned Walker’s decision, calling it “untimely and unilateral.”
The group noted that on Dec. 9, 2023, more than 45 journalists traveled to Wulki Farm in Careysburg to elect Walker to a three-year term, and his abrupt departure was “a failure to honor that trust.”
Chairman Lazalee Wanneh criticized Walker for stepping down without consulting members, saying the move “did not reflect the values or interests of the Integrity Team, nor the expectations of those who believed in his vision.”
“Every leadership faces challenges, but true leaders confront those challenges through dialogue and collaboration,” Wanneh said. The group reaffirmed its support for Kamara’s leadership, saying it is “on the right path and beginning to deliver tangible results.”
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