The Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai Esq., has received widespread commendation from heads and staff of various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for the ongoing MDAs Football Gala. The tournament, featuring 20 teams, has drawn an estimated 20,000 government workers, making it one of the most unifying public-sector events in recent years.

Sierra Leone’s Energy Lead, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, praised the initiative:
“It is a good initiative as this gala has brought the majority of government workers together. This is what any visionary leader must try to do—bring people together for interaction after a week or a whole day on the job.”

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, who also captains his ministry’s team, described the gala as a strong unifying force:
“The MDA Gala has broken the barriers between top and lower-level staff members at various institutions. When we are on the field, there is no difference between a Minister and an office assistant.”

The Executive Chairman of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Abubakarr S. Massaquoi, encouraged the NSA leadership to institutionalize the competition:
“I want to encourage Dr. Abdulai to make this gala an annual event. Its importance goes beyond football—bringing people together for collaboration and interaction is the positive aspect of the event.”

Deputy Minister of Finance I, Madam Kadiatu Allieu, and senior management staff praised the initiative, noting the Ministry of Finance team’s success in reaching the semi-finals:
“The gala has become a rendezvous for government employees. The Ministry of Finance wishes to participate in this event annually.”

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, said the gala aligns with President Julius Maada Bio’s collaborative vision:
“The gala resonates with President Bio’s aim for collaboration across government institutions. Dr. Abdulai has taken the lead in this direction.”

Established by an Act of Parliament in 2017, the NSA carries the mandate to promote, develop, regulate, and supervise all sports in Sierra Leone. Initiatives such as the MDAs Football Gala continue to strengthen unity, teamwork, and interaction across the public service.