Sierra Leone’s Parliamentary Committee on Sports has formally requested the Ministry of Sports (MOS) and the National Sports Authority (NSA) to account for the protracted delays affecting the National Stadium refurbishment, a project currently managed by Chinese construction partners.
Convened at Tower Hill in Freetown, the sitting was designed to clarify the project’s current progress and to determine how the legislature could facilitate its prompt conclusion. Committee Chairperson Hon. Racheal Pessima stated that the panel’s primary aim was to obtain a comprehensive status report and single out areas that require parliamentary intervention. She commended the improved synergy between the MOS and the NSA, urging both bodies to preserve this collaborative spirit to advance the nation’s athletic ambitions.
NSA Deputy Executive Director Dr. Abdulai Rahman Swaray disclosed that the initiative, which began in February 2022, has dramatically outlasted its projected completion date. He ascribed this setback to gaps within the initial project contract. Expressing regret, he said, “The delay has worked against us. We missed the chance to host fixtures in the current World Cup qualifiers, even after securing a record 15 points.”
Meanwhile, NSA Executive Director Mohamed Alphaka Conteh Esq. stressed that finalizing the venue necessitates both robust political resolve and concrete on-the-ground efforts. He apologized for past disagreements between his organization and the Ministry, committing to restoring a culture of professionalism and coherence. He called on the Committee to offer pragmatic solutions to expedite the remaining work.
Director of Sports at the Ministry, Haroun Mustapha Korgie, thanked Parliament for its role in bridging the former rift between the two institutions. In parallel, the NSA’s Director of Corporate Operations, Alie Sesay, updated the Committee on recent consultative meetings, particularly a high-level discussion at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the Chinese Ambassador and representatives of various governmental agencies.
The Committee emphasized its unwavering dedication to ensuring the stadium’s completion, highlighting that the facility is indispensable for Sierra Leone’s athletic growth and its capacity to compete effectively on the international stage.
