Information ministry on MCC Grant

Tuesday 24th September 2024 The Ministry of Information and Civic Education weekly press conference on Tuesday, September 24, led by Media Adviser Imran Silla 2024, highlighted major national developments across the Sports sector, as well as new agreements to upgrade the National Stadium. The following are the key highlights: ♦ MCC Compact Grant to Transform Energy Sector Host Imran Silla praised the leadership of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio in securing the largest grant in Sierra Leone’s history to address the country’s energy challenges. The $480 million Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact, with $14.2 million in counterpart funding from the Government of Sierra Leone, is aimed at sustainably expanding electricity access across the country. Silla emphasized that, despite previous efforts to increase access to electricity by over 30%, challenges remain, and the MCC Compact will address these perennial issues in the energy sector. ♦ Agreement Reached for Stadium Seating Installation Minister of Sports, Mrs. Augusta James Tiema, announced that the Government of Sierra Leone has reached an agreement with the People's Republic of China to install seating in the rehabilitated National Stadium. She noted that while the installation of seats was not part of the original plan, the delay was necessary to ensure the stadium meets international standards. The stadium is expected to be fully operational within a year. She attributed the success of this development to the intervention of President Julius Maada Bio. ♦ Expanding Sports Infrastructure Nationwide Minister Tiema highlighted the government's broader strategy to improve sports infrastructure nationwide. She emphasized that football and other sports can no longer be played on bare ground, and as a result, efforts are underway to upgrade sports arenas across the country. Four artificial turfs have already been installed in Freetown, Bo, and Portloko, with more installations planned in other districts to promote sports across the country. ♦ Sierra Leone to Host African Traditional Games Secretariat In his maiden appearance at the press conference, Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), announced that Sierra Leone has been selected to host the secretariat for the African Traditional Games. The initiative aims to promote traditional African sports across the continent, with Sierra Leone playing a leading role in organizing and hosting future events. ♦ Strengthening Sports Infrastructure and Governance Dr. Saffa Abdulai outlined the NSA’s key priorities, focusing on infrastructure development and sports governance. He stressed the importance of providing adequate sports infrastructure to facilitate capacity building and ensuring that sports associations operate with transparency and accountability. He further noted that sports, as a multi-billion-dollar industry, has the potential to create jobs and contribute to President Bio’s Big Five Game Changers initiative. To diversify funding sources for sports, the NSA is developing the Sport Basket Fund, which will attract both public and private sector support. The regulations for this fund will be submitted to Parliament for approval. ♦ SLFA President Hails Progress in Football Thomas Daddy Brima, President of the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), celebrated the progress made in football under his leadership. After 10 years, peaceful elections were held across all regions, and more football competitions have been organized, including the Premier League for both men and women, as well as Division One and Two leagues. Brima announced that Sierra Leone’s Under-20 team has qualified for the Under-20 AFCON competition. Additionally, plans are underway to install artificial turf at Parade Ground and Attuga Mini Stadium. Brima also emphasized that the SLFA now operates a FIFA-approved transfer system to ensure smooth player transfers and avoid disputes. ♦ Premier League Gains Momentum Victor Lewis, Chairman of the Premier League Board, reflected on the revival of the Sierra Leone Premier League, saying that the league has since become a consistent platform for developing football talent, with many players now playing professionally in Europe. He also announced an agreement with AYV to televise the second half of the ongoing Premier League season, thereby increasing visibility for local talent. Lewis called for more financial support to ensure the league continues to produce talent for the country. © Ministry of Information and Civic Education