Published: March 27, 2026
MONROVIA — A deepening leadership crisis within the Liberia Chess Federation has triggered competing allegations of financial mismanagement, constitutional violations, and power struggles, raising concerns over governance and accountability ahead of the body’s pending leadership transition.
Federation President Gonkartee Dekpah on Thursday accused Financial Secretary Beauford A. Okai of mismanagement, obstruction, and misappropriation of funds, alleging that the federation’s operations have been severely disrupted.
Speaking at a news conference in Monrovia, Dekpah said Okai has refused to present financial reports or submit to an audit since taking office in 2022. He further alleged that Okai absconded with $115 earmarked for operational expenses, leaving the federation unable to access government support and partner funding.
“We will not relent to take action against any corrupt official, even myself,” Dekpah said.
Dekpah announced the formation of an audit committee, which he described as a constitutional standing body of the federation. He said Okai has been declared wanted and that the matter will be referred to the Liberia National Police and the General Auditing Commission for investigation.
He also accused former Constitution Review Committee Chair Windor Dorko Tarplah of using her legal influence to shield Okai from accountability. According to Dekpah, Tarplah failed to submit a report on the Zone 4.2 West African Chess Championship hosted in Liberia in 2024 despite repeated requests.
Tarplah rejected the allegations, describing them as “March madness by an accidental president.” She said reports from the championship were duly submitted and argued that the audit committee established by Dekpah is unconstitutional.
Tarplah further accused Dekpah of attempting to extend his tenure beyond its scheduled expiration on April 16, 2026, without initiating elections.
“We will not accept any holdover leadership,” she said, adding that concerned members have petitioned the Ministry of Youth and Sports to intervene.
According to Tarplah, the ministry received communications Thursday outlining concerns over the impending expiration of the current leadership’s tenure and calling for transparency and accountability to protect the federation’s reputation.
Okai denied any wrongdoing, stating that he prepared a financial report in December 2024 using accounting software and presented it in 2025. However, he said the congress failed to reach quorum, preventing its adoption.
He also questioned the impartiality of the audit process, accusing audit committee chairman Rodney Koffa of bias stemming from a previous electoral contest.
“I cannot go for any audit with Rodney Koffa as chairman because he is angry that I defeated him in the June 2023 Special General Assembly,” Okai said.
Okai added that he would only cooperate with an audit conducted under new leadership that he considers independent.
The dispute has exposed deep divisions within the federation, with allegations ranging from corruption and intimidation to constitutional breaches.
Stakeholders warn that the ongoing turmoil could damage the federation’s credibility both domestically and internationally, particularly as it seeks support from the government and development partners.
With the current leadership’s tenure set to expire in less than a month and no elections committee established, concerns are mounting over a potential governance vacuum.
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