Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, the Director of the National Sports Authority in Sierra Leone, in an interview with Africa Voices Media Empire, reiterated the need for the democratization of sports institutions for their smooth operations. “Governance is everything. Sports have to be properly managed; sports associations have to be democratized,” Dr. Saffa added, noting that they need to have a constitution and executive.
Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai was speaking to AYV a few days after he returned from Zambia, where he delivered a public lecture at Namibia University on the topic of sports law governance and reform in Africa.
Dr. Abdulai emphasized the need for transparency in sports to prevent issues of chaos, court cases, and other challenges.
Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, the Director of the National Sport Authority in Sierra Leone, delivered a compelling lecture at the University of Namibia, focusing on the critical intersection of sport, law, and governance reforms across Africa. The event drew a diverse audience of hundreds, including students, faculty members, and policymakers eager to engage in meaningful discussions about the role of sports in societal development.
In his address, Abdulai underscored the transformative potential of sports in addressing pressing issues faced by African youth, including crime and unemployment. He urged leaders to recognize sports not merely as a recreational activity but as a powerful tool for social change and youth empowerment. “Sports can be a solution to youth problems,” he stated, emphasizing its capacity to foster community engagement and promote positive lifestyles.