Former Executive Director of the National Sports Authority, Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, has officially handed over office to newly appointed Executive Director Mohamed Alphaka Conteh during a formal ceremony held at the Authority’s New Signal Hill Road headquarters in Freetown.
The event marked the official transition of leadership within the country’s sports administration body, with stakeholders describing the process as a significant step toward continuity and progress in the sector.
During the handover, Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai congratulated his successor and pledged full cooperation whenever needed, especially in relation to matters contained in his handing-over notes and administrative report.
He reflected on his tenure, noting that although the sports sector experienced several challenges, notable progress was made in key areas including the drafting of regulatory frameworks, improvements in staff welfare, stronger administrative systems, increased transparency, staff recruitment and promotions, enhanced support for sporting competitions, and continued infrastructure development.
Taking over office, Mohamed Alphaka Conteh thanked President Julius Maada Bio and the Government for the confidence placed in him to lead the National Sports Authority.
He pledged to uphold discipline, professionalism and accountability in the management of sports, while calling for teamwork and collaboration from staff and stakeholders across the country.
Conteh also praised his predecessor for laying what he described as a solid foundation for the continued advancement of sports in Sierra Leone.
He said his leadership would prioritize transparency, inclusiveness and excellence, with strong attention to athlete development, youth empowerment, infrastructure improvement and raising Sierra Leone’s profile on the regional and global sporting stage.
Chairman of the Board, Ibrahim Nyelenkeh, described the ceremony as historic and said the smooth transfer of leadership reflected unity within the institution.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Sports Augusta James-Teima congratulated the new Executive Director and assured him of the Ministry’s full support.
She emphasized the need for patience, humility and cooperation within the sector, noting that the Ministry and the National Sports Authority must continue to work together for the development of sports nationwide.
