Freetown, May 8, 2025 (SLENA) – In a vibrant celebration of Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs (MTCA) and its agencies hosted the first-ever Inter-Secondary School Traditional Games on Thursday, May 8, 2025. The landmark event, held at the MTCA Pavilion, aimed to revive traditional games, promote cultural appreciation, and foster a sense of community among young learners.
The initiative brought together students from thirteen secondary schools across Freetown, including
Rokel Secondary School
Government Model Secondary School
Sierra Leone Muslim Brotherhood Secondary School
Prince of Wales Secondary School
Services Secondary School, Juba
St. Edward’s Secondary School
Annie Walsh Memorial School
Methodist Girls’ High School
Freetown Secondary School for Girls
Methodist Boys’ High School
Bishop Johnson Memorial School
St. Joseph’s Convent Secondary School
Henry Fergusson Junior Secondary School
Each school fielded teams across various age groups, creating a lively atmosphere of friendly competition and camaraderie.
In his welcome remarks, Permanent Secretary Rev. Kwame Yankson emphasised the significance of the event in reconnecting young people with Sierra Leone’s cultural roots.
Officially opening the games, the Honourable Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, declared 2025 the “Year of Ecotourism,” with a thematic focus on “Connecting Culture, Communities, and Conservation.”
She noted that traditional games are not just pastimes, but cultural tools that have helped shape generations.
The Executive Director of the National Sports Authority, Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, commended the ministry for the initiative, highlighting that traditional games are being prioritised in the revised National Sports Policy.
He pledged the NSA’s commitment to supporting the integration of these games as part of the standard school sports program. “Today’s games are more than entertainment—they are a testament to our identity, history, and values,” Dr. Abdulai stated.
Madam Ann-Marie Kamara, Executive Director of the Monuments and Relics Commission, emphasised the cultural and educational relevance of reviving traditional games.
She engaged students with live demonstrations, rekindling interest in forgotten games.
Director of Culture, Mr. Foday Jalloh, encouraged students to become cultural ambassadors by reintroducing these games in their respective schools. “These games can help steer young people away from negative influences and instil discipline, unity, and purpose,” he added.
A rich variety of traditional games were showcased, including:
Ludo, Gbondo, Taxi, Kick en Home, Kick en Seize, Snakes and Leathers, IQ Test, Andie, Kick Seed, Six Cup, Boatkidie, General, Akra, Balance Ball, Draughts, Play Cook, Cards, Touch, Rounders, Kombor, Stopper Game, and Skipping Rope.
The event climaxed with the distribution of school materials to participating pupils—a gesture aimed at supporting education and participation.
MTCA reaffirmed its commitment to institutionalising traditional games and expanding the initiative’s reach nationwide.
Plans are underway to make the Inter-Secondary School Traditional Games an annual fixture that celebrates Sierra Leone’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.
Joel Foday Dumbuya – MTCA Correspondent
