By Sulaiman Jalloh
The President of the Sierra Leone Football Association, Babadi Kamara, has informed Members of Parliament that he has never signed any cheque on behalf of the association since assuming office in August last year.
Kamara made this disclosure on Monday, February 23, 2026, when he appeared before the Parliamentary Sports Committee at Committee Room One in the Parliament Building in Freetown. His appearance formed part of ongoing oversight engagements aimed at reviewing governance and administrative practices within the country’s sports sector, particularly football.
Addressing committee members, Kamara described the current financial management arrangement within the football administration as a serious challenge that needs urgent reform. He explained that the existing system limits transparency and weakens accountability, making it difficult for the association to function effectively and independently.
According to him, the fact that the president of the football association does not directly sign cheques raises concerns about institutional control and financial responsibility. He noted that such arrangements undermine confidence in the administration of the game and create room for confusion and conflict among stakeholders.
Kamara used the opportunity to call on Parliament to intervene and help address what he described as financial discrepancies affecting Sierra Leone’s football industry. He stressed the need for a clear and unified structure that ensures proper oversight and accountability in the management of football resources.
“I call on you to ensure that football is run by one entity and not multiple entities,” Kamara told the committee. He added that fragmented authority and overlapping responsibilities do not serve the best interest of the sport or the country as a whole.
Members of the Parliamentary Sports Committee expressed concern over the revelations, noting that football remains one of the most popular and unifying activities in Sierra Leone and therefore requires strong governance structures. Some lawmakers questioned how financial decisions are currently approved and implemented within the association.
The Chairperson of the committee, Hon. Recheal Mariatu Sesay Pessima, acknowledged the gravity of the issues raised by the SLFA president. She emphasized that the matter demands immediate attention, especially as government continues to invest resources into sports development.
Hon. Pessima assured Kamara and other stakeholders that the committee would thoroughly examine the concerns and engage relevant institutions to ensure that proper systems are put in place. She reiterated Parliament’s commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in all sectors, including sports.
Kamara’s testimony has reignited debate around governance reforms within Sierra Leone’s football sector, as lawmakers and stakeholders push for stronger financial controls and clearer administrative authority. Discussions are expected to continue as Parliament considers measures to strengthen oversight and restore confidence in the management of football in the country.
