AYV News, May 13, 2026
The newly appointed Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Barrister Mohamed AlphakaConteh, Esq., has pledged to uphold discipline, professionalism, and transparency in Sierra Leone’s sports sector in line with the vision of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio.
Speaking during the official handing-over ceremony held at the NSA’s New Signal Hill Road Office, Barrister Conteh emphasized the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving progress within the sporting sector.
“I am instructed to maintain decorum in the sporting sector,” he stated. “To achieve this, I need teamwork and collaboration from everyone.”
The ceremony marked the formal transfer of leadership from the outgoing Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, to Barrister Conteh.
In his address, the new NSA boss expressed appreciation to President Bio and the Government of Sierra Leone for the confidence reposed in him to lead the institution. He also commended his predecessor, noting that Dr. Abdulai’s administration laid a “solid foundation upon which we will continue to build.”
Barrister Conteh described sports as a powerful tool for national unity and youth empowerment.
“Sports is more than competition. It unites people across regions, tribes, religions, and generations. It inspires hope, discipline, teamwork, and national pride,” he said. “In every stadium, community field, school competition, and international tournament, we see the power of sports to transform lives and strengthen our nation.”
Outlining his vision for the NSA, he pledged to promote transparency, professionalism, inclusiveness, and excellence in sports administration while working to create opportunities for athletes, empower young people, improve sporting infrastructure, and elevate Sierra Leone’s presence on the regional and global sporting stage.
He further stressed that success in the sector would require unity, accountability, innovation, and collective effort, assuring stakeholders that his office would remain open to constructive engagement and partnerships aimed at advancing sports and national development.
“I see my appointment as a renewed commitment to excellence, integrity, and service. I therefore pledge to serve the sports sector with fairness, dedication, and unwavering passion for our beloved nation,” he stated.
Barrister Conteh also called on all stakeholders to work together to nurture talent, inspire dreams, and build a sporting culture that Sierra Leoneans can be proud of.
Before presenting the official handing-over notes, outgoing Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel SaffaAbdulai congratulated his successor and pledged his support whenever clarification may be needed regarding his report.
Dr. Abdulai acknowledged that although the sector faced significant challenges during his tenure, several important achievements were recorded, including the drafting of regulatory frameworks, improvements in staff welfare and administrative systems, enhanced transparency and accountability, recruitment and staff promotions, increased funding for sporting competitions, and progress in sports infrastructure development.
Chairman of the NSA Board, Ibrahim Nyelenkeh, who presided over the ceremony, described the event as historic, saying it symbolized “one brother handing over power to another brother.”
“Today’s ceremony lays a solid foundation for the continued development of sports in our country,” he said.
Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima, also congratulated the new Executive Director and assured him of the Ministry’s full support.
She urged continued collaboration between the Ministry and the NSA, emphasising that both institutions are working toward the same national goals for sports development.
“No position is permanent, and as leaders we must administer with patience and humility,” the Minister stated. “The NSA was born out of the Ministry, so we cannot be at odds with our own agency. We are one sector, and I appeal for continued collaboration for the development of sports.”
She also praised Barrister Conteh’s inaugural remarks, commending his commitment to accountability, professionalism, and respect within the sector.
