The newly appointed Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Barrister Mohamed Alphaka Conteh, on Tuesday 12th May 2026 hosted a delegation from the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Sierra Leone, led by its President, Prince Suallay, during a courtesy visit aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two institutions ahead of major international sporting engagements.

The meeting, held at the NSA headquarters, focused on cooperation, sports development and preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.

Declaring the purpose of the visit, NSA Deputy Executive Director Dr. Abdulai Rahman Swaray, who chaired the meeting, said the NOC delegation was at the Authority to formally congratulate Barrister Conteh on his appointment and to reaffirm the Committee’s institutional support towards promoting sports development in Sierra Leone.

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NOC President Prince Suallay congratulated the new NSA Executive Director and described his appointment as timely, especially as the country prepares for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

“Your appointment is timely and meaningful to the NOC. Your humility towards all, regardless of status, is commendable,” Prince Suallay stated. “My team and I remain optimistic about our future working relationship and collaboration. The NOC and NSA will work together seamlessly to develop sports in Sierra Leone.”

The NOC President further assured Barrister Conteh of the Committee’s readiness to support his administration as preparations intensify for upcoming international competitions.

“We stand ready to accord the new Executive Director all the facilities and privileges his office deserves as we approach the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow,” he said.

Prince Suallay also commended the management and staff of the National Sports Authority for what he described as their continued dedication, professionalism and commitment in carrying out their responsibilities within the sporting sector.

Also speaking during the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Olympic Committee, Ahmed Kanu, congratulated the new NSA Chief and highlighted some of the Committee’s planned activities for 2026, including participation in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.

In his response, NSA Executive Director Barrister Mohamed Alphaka Conteh welcomed the NOC delegation and thanked Prince Suallay and the wider Commonwealth Games family for the respect and support shown to him since his appointment.

“We must work together and support President Bio’s Big Five Game Changer, especially the agenda on sports,” Conteh said. “It is no coincidence that the NOC is the first institution to pay me a courtesy call.”

Barrister Conteh stressed that peace, mutual respect and cooperation would remain central to his leadership at the National Sports Authority.

“My mandate is to maintain peace within the sporting ecosystem. This is only achievable when we respect one another,” he stated. “We may disagree, but we must always find common ground for the greater good. Misunderstandings and conflicts are inevitable in any society, but they can and should be managed amicably.”

The NSA Executive Director also emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong working relationship between the Authority and the National Olympic Committee, noting that the NOC President serves as a member of the NSA Board.

“The NOC President is a member of the NSA Board, and the Board provides directives to the Authority. So, we are going to work together,” Conteh said. “I am neither too big nor too small to be corrected. I therefore submit myself to you and to all Board members for strategic guidance and direction. There is no time to waste — we must hit the ground running.”

The meeting ended with both institutions reaffirming their commitment to collaboration aimed at improving sports administration and strengthening Sierra Leone’s participation in international sporting competitions.