By Joseph Allieu
In an effort to promote clean sport in Sierra Leone, the National Sports Authority (NSA) on Thursday, 12th March 2026, held a meeting with Sierra Leone anti-doping experts led by Dr. Brian Conton and Alfred Terry to discuss the Authority’s draft Anti-Doping Regulations.
Addressing the experts during the meeting, the Executive Director of the NSA, Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, emphasized the importance of maintaining clean sport in the country. He noted that although the process has taken a long time to implement, the time has now come to critically review the draft regulations and harmonize them with international best practices.
Dr. Abdulai stressed that sport must be free from the use of prohibited substances and other forms of doping.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Director of Sports at the Ministry of Sports, Haroun Korgie, emphasized the need to treat anti-doping activities with the seriousness they deserve in order to adequately prepare Sierra Leonean athletes for both national and international competitions.
He noted that sporting activities in Sierra Leone remain vulnerable to doping and that the sector is now ready to present the draft regulations to be enacted into law.
Responding on behalf of the anti-doping experts, Dr. Brian Conton commended the National Sports Authority and expressed appreciation for the development of the draft Anti-Doping Regulations, which he said has made their work easier.
He assured the NSA that the expert team will review the draft document thoroughly to ensure it aligns with international anti-doping standards.
News of the meeting was welcomed by several sporting disciplines across the country, with many describing the initiative as timely.
Some sports officials noted that their respective international federations have long informed them about the importance of anti-doping tests, which have already become standard practice in international competitions. They added that any athlete found guilty of doping would bring embarrassment to the country.
They further expressed hope that the proposed anti-doping legislation will soon be passed by Parliament.
