Freetown, Sierra Leone — The Parliamentary Committee on Sports has summoned officials from the National Sports Authority (NSA) and the Ministry of Sports to account for the ongoing delays plaguing the rehabilitation of the Siaka Stevens National Stadium, a project that has dragged on far beyond its original timeline.
During the session on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Tower Hill, committee members, led by Chairperson Hon. Rachel Mariatu Sesay Pessima, expressed concern over the slow pace of work on the Chinese-funded initiative, which began in February 2022 with an initial target completion around 2024.
While officials reported that auxiliary facilities, including the basketball court and athletes’ hostels, have been completed, with a partial handover scheduled for June 30, 2026, the main stadium bowl and full operational readiness remain significantly behind schedule. The NSA indicated that full completion of the core stadium is now projected for late 2026 or early 2027.
A major bottleneck highlighted during the hearing is the delay in installing plastic seats, which requires pending approval from Chinese authorities. NSA officials noted ongoing diplomatic efforts, including direct engagement with the Chinese Ambassador, to secure the necessary authorizations and any associated funding.
The rehabilitation, originally estimated at around $40 million as a grant from China, has faced repeated setbacks, including logistical challenges with material shipments and adjustments to meet international standards such as FIFA requirements for seating. These issues have extended the project well beyond initial expectations, preventing Sierra Leone from hosting major international matches at home and forcing national teams to play abroad.
Parliament stressed the urgent need for greater transparency, full compliance with procurement procedures, and accelerated progress to restore the iconic 45,000-capacity venue as a hub for national and international sports events.
Committee members signaled willingness to offer parliamentary support to overcome remaining obstacles but demanded clear accountability on timelines.
The prolonged delays have drawn public frustration, raising broader questions about project management and the impact on sports development in the country. Partial use of completed facilities is expected to provide some relief in the coming weeks, but full revival of the stadium remains months away.
