By Alpha Barrie

The newly appointed Executive Director of the National Sports Authority, Mohamed Alphaka Conteh, has pledged to uphold discipline and professionalism in Sierra Leone’s sports sector in line with the vision of President Julius Maada Bio.

Barrister Conteh made the commitment during the official handing-over ceremony from outgoing Executive Director Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai at the NSA headquarters on Signal Hill Road, Freetown. The ceremony was presided over by Board Chairman Ibrahim Nyelenkeh.

“I am instructed to maintain decorum in the sporting sector,” Conteh stated, while calling for teamwork and collaboration from staff and stakeholders.

The new NSA boss thanked President Bio for the confidence reposed in him and praised his predecessor for laying what he described as a “solid foundation” for the authority.

He described sports as a unifying force capable of bringing together people across regions, tribes, religions and generations, while promoting discipline, teamwork and national pride.

Conteh said his administration would focus on transparency, professionalism, inclusiveness and excellence in sports governance. He also promised to create more opportunities for athletes, empower young people, improve infrastructure and enhance Sierra Leone’s presence in regional and international competitions.

“This journey cannot be accomplished by one person alone,” he said, adding that unity, accountability, innovation and collective effort would be critical to success.

He further pledged to serve the sector with fairness, dedication and integrity, while urging stakeholders to work together in nurturing talent and building a sporting culture every Sierra Leonean can be proud of.

Before presenting the official handing-over notes, Dr. Abdulai congratulated his successor and pledged continued support whenever clarification was needed on his report. He highlighted achievements recorded during his tenure, including the drafting of regulatory frameworks, improvements in staff welfare, enhanced transparency, staff recruitment and promotions, increased support for sporting competitions, and progress in sports infrastructure development.

Minister of Sports Augusta James-Teima also congratulated the new Executive Director and assured him of the Ministry’s support. She thanked Dr. Abdulai for providing comprehensive handing-over notes and called for continued unity within the sector.

“No position is permanent, and as leaders we must administer with patience and humility,” the Minister said, stressing that the Ministry and NSA must continue to work together for the growth of sports in Sierra Leone.