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The Government has approved the continuation of the controversial shopping stores project at Wusum Field in Makeni following the conclusion of a regional review ordered by the Northeast Regional Minister, Ibrahim Jalloh.
The decision follows months of public concern over the development, which began in May 2026 after construction commenced without detailed public information, raising fears about the future of one of the Northeast Region’s major football facilities.
In response to the controversy, Minister Jalloh constituted a three-member committee comprising Emilia Kamara-Jengo, Ibrahim Daramy, and Unisa Patrick Kamara to investigate the circumstances surrounding the project and determine whether it posed any threat to Wusum Field.
According to the committee’s findings, Wusum Field remains a leased property of FIFA through the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA). The investigation also found no evidence to substantiate claims that any portion of the football field had been sold to the contractor.
Following a review of the contractual agreement between the relevant parties, the Government approved the continuation of the project.
Minister Jalloh said the development is intended to enhance the value of Wusum Field while creating a sustainable source of revenue to support football activities across the Northeast Region.
The shopping stores are being privately financed by AKA Lawal Construction Company, a construction firm owned by a native of Bombali District.
Authorities have further clarified that the shopping stores development is separate from the US$95,000 fencing and sanitation project being implemented at Wusum Field by Sierra Leone Football Association President Babadi Kamara.
The Government’s approval effectively ends months of uncertainty surrounding the project and allows construction to continue under the reviewed agreement, with officials maintaining that the development will complement, rather than undermine, the football facility.
