By NSA Media
The Ministry of Sports and the National Sports Authority (NSA) on Thursday, October 1, 2026, presented the Sports Sector’s Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) budget proposal to the Ministry of Finance at the Miattia Conference Hall in Freetown.
In his opening statement, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, Mr. Patrick Sama, made a strong case for increased budgetary support to the sports sector, stressing the importance of timely budget allocation and disbursement to the effective implementation of activities by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
“Performance of MDAs starts with budget allocation and disbursement to enhance their activities. The sports sector is pivotal to youth empowerment, job creation, and national cohesion, and therefore requires adequate funding to implement planned activities across the country,” Mr. Sama stated.
Presenting the National Sports Authority’s budget proposal, the Executive Director of the NSA, Mohamed Alphaka Conteh Esq., expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Finance for its continued support towards the development of sports and sporting disciplines across Sierra Leone.
Mr. Conteh outlined the NSA’s key priority areas for FY2027, which include the decentralisation of sports development, job creation through sports, support for national teams, maintenance and rehabilitation of national sporting facilities, promotion of school and community sports, capacity building, and participation in international competitions.
He further assured the Ministry of Finance that the sports sector remains committed to the prudent, transparent and accountable utilisation of allocated resources to achieve its planned objectives and contribute to the Government’s development agenda, particularly in the areas of youth employment and national development through sports.
Civil Society Calls for Increased Sports Funding
Representatives of civil society organisations and non-state actors commended the Sports Sector for its presentation and called on the Ministry of Finance to increase budgetary allocation to the sector.
They emphasised the importance of adequate financial support to the sports industry, particularly given the sector’s potential to create employment opportunities, empower young people and promote national cohesion.
Ministry of Finance Commends Sports Sector
Responding on behalf of the Ministry of Finance, the Chairman of the Budget Hearing Session, Mr. Ibrahim Burah, commended the Sports Sector for what he described as a detailed and well-themed presentation centred on decentralisation and employment.
Mr. Burah also called on the sector to develop regulations aimed at discouraging violence and unsporting behaviour among spectators during sporting competitions.
“Sports is not a do-or-die affair; it is about entertainment and unity,” Mr. Burah emphasised.
He further praised the National Sports Authority for presenting a budget theme that aligns with the Government’s focus on decentralisation and job creation.
The FY2027 budget hearing forms part of the Government’s annual budget preparation process, providing Ministries, Departments and Agencies with an opportunity to present their proposed programmes, priorities and funding requirements to the Ministry of Finance.