Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), has urged Sierra Leonean lawmakers to separate sports from political influences.

His call came during a courtesy visit by the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Sports, led by Chairman Hon. Hindolo Moiwo Gevao.

The visit was part of the Committee’s mandate to ensure transparency and accountability in financial matters, particularly concerning the NSA’s fiscal year budget.

The Committee is also involved in lobbying for the approval of the NSA’s proposed budget by the Appropriation Committee.

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Dr. Abdulai highlighted the significant economic and political advantages that sports can bring, emphasizing the need for a depoliticized approach to enhance the sector’s development. He noted that in his brief tenure of less than four months, he has already implemented 15% of the NSA Act and drafted four new regulations aimed at advancing sports.

He appealed to parliamentarians to consider the broader benefits of sports development, which includes creating opportunities for the youth nationwide. Dr. Abdulai also mentioned his upcoming trip to Denmark, where he will seek support for installing artificial turfs in key areas, specifically in Class A chiefdoms.

By focusing on the broader impacts of sports and securing necessary resources, Dr. Abdulai aims to foster a more vibrant and inclusive sports sector in Sierra Leone