SWAL Suspends Three Members After Disciplinary Investigation

Published: August 5, 2026

Monrovia – The Sports Writers Association of Liberia (SWAL) has suspended three members following the conclusion of a disciplinary investigation conducted by the association’s Grievance and Ethics Committee.

Acting on the committee’s recommendations, the SWAL leadership suspended Edwin Battaforyen of Truth FM for six months, Thomas Kojo Roulhac of Freedom FM for two months and Elijah Pyne of Intel Sports for one month for conduct found to be in violation of the SWAL Constitution and Code of Ethics.

According to SWAL, the three members were referred to the Grievance and Ethics Committee over actions deemed detrimental to the association’s image, credibility, integrity and unity.

The committee found that Battaforyen repeatedly refused to honor invitations to appear before the investigative panel despite several opportunities. SWAL said he instructed the committee to “do whatever it pleases” and was subsequently found liable for gross disrespect of the disciplinary process, repeated attacks against the association, the dissemination of false and misleading information, and defamatory statements against SWAL officials and members.

Roulhac admitted to his misconduct during the investigation and offered an unreserved apology, while Pyne was also found to have engaged in conduct inconsistent with the ethical standards expected of SWAL members.

The committee recommended a three-month suspension for Roulhac and a one-month suspension for Pyne. However, SWAL leadership reduced Roulhac’s suspension to two months, citing his admission of wrongdoing and expression of remorse, while affirming all other recommendations.

SWAL said the actions of the suspended members violated Article 8(d) of its constitution, which states that any member whose actions bring the association into disrepute is subject to disciplinary measures, including a fine or suspension, following an investigation.

The association said the members continued to publish false, misleading and inflammatory statements about SWAL on Facebook, public chat forums and other public platforms despite repeated warnings and interventions from the leadership.

SWAL also noted that this was not the first disciplinary case involving some of the suspended members.

Roulhac had previously admitted to publishing allegations against Deputy Minister for Sports G. Andy Quamie, which he later retracted and apologized for. Battaforyen had also previously apologized after disseminating false information concerning SWAL Financial Secretary Naomi Tappia.

During their suspension periods, the three members are barred from participating in SWAL meetings, activities, events, committees and programs, and may not represent the association in any capacity.

SWAL said it will formally communicate the disciplinary actions to national sporting federations, associations, clubs and other relevant stakeholders.

The leadership said it fully endorses the findings and recommendations of the Grievance and Ethics Committee, emphasizing that no member is above the association’s constitution.

SWAL reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, accountability, integrity, discipline and ethical journalism, while urging all members to uphold the values of responsible and professional sports reporting in Liberia.