Public Sector Reform Review Highlights Tensions Between Sports Ministry and NSA

The Head of the Public Sector Reform Unit at the Office of the President, Idrissa Koroma, has raised concerns over the urgent need for comprehensive reforms within the Ministry of Sports (MOS) and its affiliated national sporting associations.

Speaking during an ongoing review session at Occasion Hotel in Lakka, Koroma disclosed that preliminary findings point to significant gaps in governance, coordination, and accountability across the sector. He revealed that attempts to engage the National Sports Authority (NSA) as part of the reform process have been unsuccessful, noting that officials from the institution repeatedly failed to honour scheduled interviews.

Koroma said the NSA’s persistent absence has hindered progress, despite the importance of their input in shaping the future of sports administration in Sierra Leone.

Minister of Sports, Augusta Teima James, also expressed dissatisfaction over what she described as a clear show of disrespect by the NSA for failing to respond to the Ministry’s invitation. She said the Authority’s non-cooperation reflects deeper underlying tensions that continue to affect the smooth functioning of the sports sector.

The review of the Sports Act and other key policy frameworks is currently underway, with stakeholders hoping the process will pave the way for stronger collaboration and effective reform in the sector.