The Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai Esq., has made a compelling appeal to non-state actors, urging them to integrate sports into their advocacy initiatives. Dr. Abdulai delivered this message during the Authority’s FY 2025 budget presentation at the Ministry of Finance’s conference hall on Friday, August 30th, 2024.
In his address, Dr. Abdulai emphasized the significant impact that sports can have on society beyond mere entertainment. “The sports sector is doing well. We engage young people in different sporting activities every day. Through this, we are reducing the crime rate and creating jobs,” he stated, highlighting the transformative role sports play in community development and crime reduction.
Dr. Abdulai further noted the historical collaboration between Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). He encouraged these organizations to extend their focus to include sports as a strategic tool for advocacy, peace-building, and economic growth. “Over the years, CSOs and the NSA have monitored, advocated, and followed the activities of many MDAs. Some even aligned their operations with certain MDAs. This is good, and I’m calling on CSOs to include sports in their activities,” Dr. Abdulai added. “Sports is not only about entertainment; it is a multi-billion dollar industry. We can also use this sector for peace-building.”
The call to action was well-received by representatives of non-state actors present at the event. Foday Dada, a key representative, commended the Ministry of Sports and the NSA for their transparency and accountability. “The Ministry of Sports and the NSA have been transparent to the people of this country, especially in recent times. This is good for public trust and confidence,” Dada remarked.
Dada and his team expressed appreciation for Dr. Abdulai’s initiative and assured him that they would consider his call with the seriousness it deserves. “We will treat the matter with seriousness,” Dada assured.
The National Sports Authority, established by an Act of Parliament, is tasked with promoting, encouraging, developing, and supervising all sports and sporting activities in the country. Its mandate also includes fostering related activities that contribute to national development.
Dr. Abdulai’s appeal underscores the broader societal benefits of sports, and presents an opportunity for non-state actors to harness the potential of the sports industry in their advocacy work, particularly in areas such as youth engagement, peace-building, and economic empowerment.