By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Ministry of Sports has taken a significant step toward strengthening Sierra Leone’s sports sector following a strategic engagement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aimed at fostering sustainable development and institutional growth in sports.
Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima, led a delegation to a meeting with the UNDP Resident Representative in Sierra Leone, Mr. Fredrick Hans Ampiah, where discussions centered on building stronger collaboration to advance the country’s sports agenda.
The meeting focused on developing sustainable structures, effective policies, and robust regulatory frameworks that will enhance the management, development, and long-term sustainability of sports across Sierra Leone.
Both parties underscored the importance of strengthening institutional capacity, identifying priority areas for cooperation, and creating viable resource mobilization mechanisms to ensure that investments in sports generate lasting impact.
The proposed partnership is expected to reinforce the policy and institutional environment needed for sports to thrive while contributing to broader national development goals.
Discussions also highlighted a shared commitment to moving beyond short-term interventions and establishing enduring systems that can provide a solid foundation for the future growth and success of sports in Sierra Leone.
Minister James-Teima was accompanied by Mr. Mohamed Alphaka Conteh, Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA); Chief Michael Shamsu Mustapha of AUSC Region II; and Lic. Momodu Alpha of the Ministry of Sports.
The engagement reflects growing efforts by the Ministry of Sports to leverage strategic partnerships in driving reforms, strengthening governance, and promoting sustainable development within Sierra Leone’s sporting landscape.