The Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, today marks one year in office, with a string of accomplishments that have repositioned the institution as a central player in Sierra Leone’s sporting landscape. In an interview with News Watch TV, the NSA Boss highlights some of his achievements, watch here
Since assuming office in April 2024, Dr. Abdulai has led a number of key initiatives aimed at strengthening sports governance, improving infrastructure, and broadening support for lesser-known sporting disciplines.
One of his landmark achievements has been the long-awaited rollout of the NSA Act, which was passed in 2017 but remained largely unimplemented until now. This feat, made possible with support from law students at Fourah Bay College, has given the NSA a stronger legal foundation to execute its mandate.
In line with his vision of rebranding the Authority, Dr. Abdulai launched several public engagement campaigns to raise awareness about the NSA’s work. His administration also conducted a nationwide assessment of sporting access and infrastructure across all 16 districts, laying the groundwork for more equitable development.
The refurbishment of the Bo Stadium stands out among infrastructure projects undertaken during the past year, a move that has been welcomed by sports fans and athletes in the southern region.
Importantly, the NSA has also made history by becoming the host secretariat for the African Traditional Games and Sports — a milestone never before achieved by Sierra Leone. The initiative is expected to boost the visibility of traditional sports and position the country on the continental sports map.
Dr. Abdulai has also prioritized staff welfare, ensuring that employees of the NSA are paid regularly and on time, thereby improving morale and productivity within the institution.
Speaking on his first anniversary, Dr. Abdulai said, “We have given more support to other sporting disciplines than any administration before us, and we have made the NSA abundantly relevant.”
As he looks to the future, the NSA Executive Director has vowed to continue promoting inclusive sports development, youth engagement, and the integration of traditional games into mainstream sporting activities.
Dr. Abdulai’s leadership over the past year has received praise from various stakeholders, who see his tenure as a turning point in the transformation of Sierra Leone’s sports sec