Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Sports Engages NSA Executive Director on Sports Development and Accountability

The Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Sports, led by its Chairman Hon. Mohamed Ngevao Esq, made a courtesy visit to the Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, at his office on 22 Signal Hill Road. This significant meeting marked the first official encounter between the two since Dr. Abdulai took over the leadership of the NSA.

During the visit, Chairman Hon. Ngevao emphasized that the committee’s role is to ensure transparency and accountability in the financial and administrative operations of sports institutions in Sierra Leone. He stated that the committee has the responsibility to scrutinize financial expenditures for the fiscal year and advocate for the approval of the NSA’s proposed budget by the Appropriation Committee. The chairman underscored the importance of this oversight to ensure that public funds are effectively used to promote sports development in the country.

Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai welcomed the committee and expressed his commitment to working closely with them. He stressed the importance of collaboration for the collective success of sports in Sierra Leone, noting that the NSA is taking significant steps to create opportunities that will benefit everyone.

“The new NSA is taking robust steps to create opportunities for everyone. We want to ensure that more resources go into sports development because it will yield huge economic and political benefits,” Dr. Abdulai stated. He highlighted the economic impact of sports, citing a recent CAF competition in Bo, where the event led to full hotel bookings and increased sales in the local economy. “People from different tribes and political parties were there, fully supporting either Bo Rangers or Lions,” he added, emphasizing the unifying power of sports.

Dr. Abdulai proudly shared that under his leadership, the NSA has already implemented 15% of its Act within less than four months. He mentioned the drafting of four new regulations aimed at fostering sports growth and development. He encouraged the committee to continue supporting the NSA, as the upcoming budget is expected to open up significant opportunities for thousands of youths across the country.

Looking ahead, Dr. Abdulai revealed plans to travel to Denmark to seek support for installing artificial turf in Class A chiefdoms in Sierra Leone. He called for political unity in supporting this initiative, stressing that such investments in sports infrastructure would create numerous opportunities for young people and contribute to the nation’s overall development.

Committee Members’ Reactions

Hon. Mohamed Alpha Jalloh echoed Dr. Abdulai’s sentiments, noting that sports can serve as a powerful instrument for change. He pointed out that sports could significantly contribute to President Bio’s “Big Five Game-changers,” which are central to the government’s development agenda.

Hon. Massey Aruna also expressed her support for Dr. Abdulai’s vision, particularly praising the initiative to install artificial turf. She raised concerns about the current state of the Bo Stadium, which is not in use, and appealed for its renovation to better serve the community and enhance the country’s sports infrastructure.

The National Sports Authority (NSA) is a government agency established by an Act of Parliament with the mandate to promote, encourage, develop, and supervise all sports and sporting activities in Sierra Leone. The NSA plays a crucial role in shaping the future of sports in the country, ensuring that it contributes to national unity, economic growth, and the well-being of its citizens.

The meeting between the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Sports and the NSA leadership underscores the collaborative efforts necessary to drive sports development in Sierra Leone, ensuring that it remains a key pillar in the nation’s progress.