Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai reiterated Sierra Leone’s dedication to promoting traditional sports across the continent, tying it to the broader agenda of continental unity
A delegation from Sierra Leone, led by Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), and Chief Michael Mustapha, President of the African Traditional Games and Sports Federation, has formally approved Zimbabwe as the host nation for the 2028 African Traditional Games and Sports.
The approval came during a ceremony held on 12 September 2024 at the Tower Hotel in Harare, Zimbabwe, marking a significant milestone in the preservation and promotion of African cultural heritage through sports.
At the event, a formal bid agreement was signed between Chief Michael Mustapha, representing the Federation of African Games and Sports, and Lizzie Mupure, representing Zimbabwe’s Traditional Games and Sports Commission.
Elta Nengomasha, Director General of the Zimbabwe Sports and Recreation Commission, expressed her government’s full support for hosting the event, underscoring the importance of safeguarding African traditions.
“These games not only preserve our heritage but also strengthen diplomatic ties between African nations,” said Madam Nengomasha, who also commended Sierra Leone’s leadership in championing the cause of traditional African sports.
Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai reiterated Sierra Leone’s dedication to promoting traditional sports across the continent, tying it to the broader agenda of continental unity.
“This is a proud moment for us, as Sierra Leone continues to play a central role in preserving and promoting African sporting traditions. Promoting these games is part of our government’s broader push for continental unity and reforms, including at the United Nations level,” said Dr. Abdulai. He also praised the successful collaboration between Namibia and Zimbabwe in hosting previous editions of the games, highlighting the disconnect between many modern sports and African culture.
Chief Michael Mustapha provided historical context, noting that 40 African countries now participate in traditional sports and that the African Union has recognised them as a key cultural pillar. He announced that Lizzie Mupure had been elected as the second vice president of the African Federation, adding that UNESCO had created a framework to guide the identification and listing of common traditional games across Africa. He reflected on UNESCO’s initial meeting in Turkey, which marked the beginning of Africa’s leadership in promoting its traditional games globally.
