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The newly appointed Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Mohamed Alphaka Conteh, has pledged to restore order and strengthen cooperation within Sierra Leone’s sports sector, stating that his mandate from President Julius Maada Bio “is to maintain decorum in sports.”
Conteh made the statement on May 22, 2026, during the turning of the sod ceremony for the construction of a 435-seater pavilion at the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA). The new NSA boss officially assumed office on April 30, 2026.
His remarks come at a time when the country’s sports sector has been faced with growing tensions and administrative disagreements, including the dismissal of former Leone Stars Head Coach Mohamed Kallon and a public disagreement between former NSA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai and Minister of Sports Augusta James-Teima.
The Minister had earlier alleged that the former NSA boss signed the contract of the former Leone Stars Head Coach, a development that generated widespread debate within the sporting community.
Speaking during the ceremony, Conteh said he is prepared to work with all sporting bodies and stakeholders to promote peace and cooperation in the sector. He also publicly apologized to the Minister of Sports for the misunderstandings and rancour that existed before his appointment.
According to Conteh, his first few weeks in office have already seen improvements in relationships within the sector. “Closed doors have been reopened,” he stated, while emphasizing the importance of dialogue and mutual respect among sports authorities.
The NSA Executive Director further acknowledged the authority and supervisory role of the Ministry of Sports, saying he hopes the Minister will support him in achieving success at the Authority.
“I will not use the NSA Act to Fight My Supervisory Ministry,” Conteh declared. In response, Sports Minister Augusta James-Teima assured the gathering of her willingness to work closely with the new NSA Executive Director in the interest of sports development in Sierra Leone.
Conteh’s statements have been viewed by sport authorities as a signal of a possible new chapter of cooperation between the NSA and the Ministry of Sports following months of tension within the country’s sports administration.
