By Speaker
The Recent successes of Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai , the Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), center on a transformative agenda that is reshaping Sierra Leone’s sports landscape. His leadership is defined by a strategic and energetic approach that has delivered a wide range of impactful results in just a few years.
Infrastructural Development.
Dr. Abdulai has made good on promises to upgrade Sierra Leone’s sports infrastructure, notably through high-profile artificial turf projects.
- Kailahun Mini Stadium: He personally funded this project, fulfilling a four-year promise. The installation, completed in early 2026, was praised by local officials and the NSA Board as a “legacy project” to help cultivate young talent.
- Tihun Artificial Turf Project: with the wisdom of NSA Boss, Work began in April 2026 on a field in President Bio’s hometown, near completion of the Kailahun project.
- National Rollout: Over 30 artificial turfs were donated from Denmark, and a nationwide fundraising campaign was launched to cover shipping costs.
- Modernization of Bo Stadium: A major renovation is planned to bring the facility up to modern standards.
- Multi-Sport Facilities: New Class, A facilities slated for Mattru Jong, Tihun, and other districts will include volleyball, basketball, and swimming pools.
- Basketball Facilities: Land has been secured for a new indoor basketball court at Masiaka and another at Aberdeen Creek.
Governance & Institutional Reform
Dr. Abdulai has prioritized regulatory frameworks, professionalism, and strategic planning to build a sustainable system.
Legal & Regulatory Frameworks: Dr Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai (NSA) brought in ten law graduates to draft key statutory instruments. Key regulations developed include an Anti-Doping Authority, a Court of Arbitration for Sport, and a ‘Position of Trust’ regulation.
Sports Development Fund : Regulations for this fund have been developed and submitted for Parliamentary approval to provide sustainable financing for sports.
Organizational Reform: The NSA secretariat was restructured to foster a more professional, efficient, and worker-friendly environment.
Staff Welfare: Monthly salaries for national team coaches have been implemented, replacing a previous system of biannual payments.
Decentralization of Sports: NSA staff were posted to all local councils nationwide to ensure sports programs reach every corner of the country.
Strategic Partnership with EU: A high-level strategic meeting was convened with the EU Ambassador to secure support for infrastructure and sports development.
Financial Prudence: Relocating Leone Stars’ matches from Morocco to Liberia saved the government over $70,000.
SOCIAL IMPACT & GRASSROOTS ENGAGEMENT.
Dr. Abdulai is using sports as a vehicle for social change, youth engagement, and national unity.
Combatting Drug Abuse (Kush): He has led a national campaign against the synthetic drug “Kush,” using sports leagues and community events as a platform for rehabilitation.
Inter-MDA Football Gala: The NSA organized a football gala for government employees, aimed at promoting physical fitness and fostering unity across ministries.
Youth Empowerment: His NSA and SLFA partnership creates jobs and opportunities for young people. Dr. Abdulai has also shown consistent support for youth development through sports, particularly in the Kailahun District.
Revival of Traditional Games: He has backed the inclusion of African Traditional Games in universities, releasing $11,000 to kickstart the program.
KEY ACHIEVEMENT & AWARDS
8th Service Delivery Award (2025): Received from the Bai Bureh Heritage Foundation in recognition of his leadership and transparent service delivery in the sports sector.
Resolved Premier League Impasse: Played a central role in resolving the Premier League Board impasse, helping to revive the league.
Supported National Teams & Associations: Provided crucial support to national teams for CAF competitions and facilitated the first-ever annual subvention from the NSA to the National Olympic Committee. Several national sporting federations, including the Karate, Gymnastics, and Weightlifting Associations, have presented their medals to Dr. Abdulai in recognition of his support.
Long live Sierra Leone
Long live NSA
Long live Sports
