On Monday, August 19, 2024, the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Sports, led by Chairman Honourable Hindolo Moiwo Gevao Esq, paid a significant courtesy visit to the National Sports Authority (NSA) headquarters. The meeting took place at Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai’s office located at 22 Signal Hill Road. This encounter was particularly noteworthy as it marked the first official meeting between the Committee and Dr Abdulai since he took the helm of the NSA four months ago.
Chairman Gevao emphasized that the visit was an essential part of the Committee’s oversight responsibilities. He articulated the Committee’s mandate to scrutinize financial and administrative activities within the NSA, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of public resources. “Our role is to thoroughly vet financial expenditures for the fiscal year and to advocate for the approval of budgets proposed by the NSA,” he stated.
Dr. Abdulai expressed his commitment to collaborating closely with the Oversight Committee, highlighting the necessity of collective efforts in driving sports development. He noted, “The new NSA is embarking on robust initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for all stakeholders in the sports sector. Our goal is to channel more resources into sports development, which we believe will yield substantial economic and political benefits for the country.”
During the meeting, Dr. Abdulai shared insights from a recent visit to Bo, where the NSA was involved in hosting CAF competitions. He recounted how local hotels were fully booked and food supplies were depleted due to the influx of supporters from various tribes and political affiliations rallying behind their teams, Bo Rangers and Lions. This event illustrated the unifying power of sports and its potential to stimulate local economies.
Dr. Abdulai further revealed that the NSA has successfully implemented 15% of its operational Act within a short span of four months. He mentioned that the Authority has drafted four new regulations aimed at fostering growth in the sports sector. He urged the Committee to lend their support, noting that the upcoming budget would create significant opportunities for thousands of young people across the nation.
In a bid to enhance sports infrastructure, Dr. Abdulai announced his upcoming trip to Denmark, where he plans to seek assistance for the installation of artificial turf in Class A chiefdoms in Sierra Leone. He called on all stakeholders to set aside political differences, emphasizing that such investments would benefit the youth and foster community development.
Committee member Hon. Mohamed Alpha Jalloh emphasized the transformative potential of sports, asserting that it could serve as a powerful instrument for change and contribute to President Bio’s Five Big Game-changers initiative. Another Committee member, Hon. Massey Aruna, expressed her enthusiasm for Dr. Abdulai’s plans regarding artificial turf and voiced concerns about the current state of the Bo Stadium, which is not in use. She appealed for its renovation to ensure it can serve the community effectively.
The National Sports Authority, established by an Act of Parliament, is tasked with promoting, encouraging, and supervising all sports activities in Sierra Leone, making the collaboration between the Oversight Committee and the NSA crucial for the future of sports in the country.
