By Kandeh Sesay
Freetown, Sierra Leone – The National Olympic Committee (NOC) headquarters project, initiated with much fanfare, is now facing serious challenges, as corruption allegations against NOC President Prince Vandi Suallay continue to surface.
On November 13, 2022, Mustapha Berraf, President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), laid the foundation stone for the NOC-Sierra Leone headquarters in Lakka, Freetown. Berraf emphasized the significance of the project, stating, “We are proud to start this project that will provide our Olympic youth with better working conditions. It is crucial to support and enhance the working environment for those involved.”
However, recent investigations have cast a shadow over the project. It has been revealed that the land where the foundation was laid is allegedly owned by a local resident who was purportedly involved in deceiving Berraf about the legitimacy of the project. The cost of the project is estimated at over $200,000.
In addition to these concerns, President Suallay is facing fresh allegations of corruption. Sources claim Suallay has been misusing his position to solicit money from Sierra Leoneans by promising them travel opportunities under the guise of representing the country in various sports. Suallay is also accused of exploiting his role within the Wrestling Association, where he allegedly accepted payments from non-wrestlers, falsely presenting them as official representatives of the Sierra Leone Wrestling Association. This has reportedly led to legitimate wrestlers being denied international competition opportunities.
Further complicating matters, it has emerged that in 2009, the Wrestling Association received $40,000 from the German Embassy to develop a wrestling clinic and training program. Reports indicate that Suallay used only a fraction of these funds for their intended purpose, with the remainder allegedly squandered.
This publication has attempted to reach Prince Vandi Suallay for comment via phone and messages but did not receive a response by the time of going to press. We will include his statement in future updates if and when it becomes available.
