— Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, NSA Boss
As the new generation takes increased interest in western recreation, NSA Boss Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai is concerned that if concrete steps are shunned, African traditional games inherited will run into extinction, only in oblivion to the memories of a few preservationists.
The visionary Boss thinks Africa should rise up to the occasion and reignite those games that symbolize the Black man’s heritage.
“This is the initiative. African traditional games and sports bring us closer to our diverse cultures. I want us to own this idea and make it a project that history will remember,” he says.
On the 14th August 2024, Sierra Leone launched the African Traditional Games and Sports Confederation Secretariat in Freetown to provide leadership on the Continent.
In July, Dr. Saffa Abdulai joined Chief Michael Shamsu Mustapha, the Confederation’s Prexy, to sign documents that gave Namibia the greenlight to host the first edition of the African Traditional Games and Sports in 2026. The logo of that showpiece was unveiled on August 14, 2024 during the celebration of the International Day of Traditional Games and Sports.
Dr. Abdulai is wrapping up plans to visit Zimbabwe in September this year to discuss Zimbabwe’s readiness to host the 2028 equivalent of the African showpiece.
The objective is to ensure that the games inherited from our forefathers are passed on to the next generation, and make conscious effort for their inclusion in the Olympic structure in the not too distant future.
The move is underway to identify key games peculiar to Sierra Leone, document them, and promote their ideals. This stride will increase participation in sports, bringing both the educated and uneducated under a common canopy.
With the games codified, new coaches and athletes will arise to create employment.
Sport is currently the biggest employer after the civil service.
“In all of this, the aim is to provide jobs for young people and bring meaning to their lives,” Dr. Abdulai adds.
The National Sports Authority is an agency of Government established by an Act of Parliament with the mandate to promote, encourage, develop, and supervise all sports and sporting activities and to provide for other related matters.
NSA Media
