Leave Babadi Alone: Ethics, Integrity, and the Road to SLFA Presidency

By Thaimu Sesay

As the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) moves toward its much-anticipated elective congress scheduled for August 2, 2025, the political and public atmosphere has become increasingly charged. At the center of the attention is Babadi Kamara, Executive Chairman of Bo Rangers FC who is running for the presidency against a backdrop of controversy and reform.

In a recent decision by the SLFA Ethics Committee, incumbent SLFA President Thomas Daddy Brima and presidential aspirant Aminata Bangura were declared unfit to contest in the upcoming elections. Both were disqualified after thorough integrity checks found breaches ranging from submission of falsified documents to inconsistencies in official records and a failure to comply with screening procedures.

While these decisions have been welcomed by some as a necessary clean-up, others have accused Babadi Kamara of using his alleged ties to the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) to influence the Ethics Committee’s rulings and clear his path to an uncontested presidency. But such accusations not only misrepresent the process. they also unfairly cast blame on a candidate who was cleared through the same rigorous scrutiny applied to all aspirants.

The SLFA Ethics Committee, chaired by Abu Bakarr Sheriff, Esq., operated under Articles 60 and 63 of the SLFA Constitution and the 2020 Ethics Code and Regulations. Its work was guided by the principles of fairness, due diligence, and “comfortable satisfaction” a standard of proof higher than balance of probabilities but lower than criminal law’s beyond a reasonable doubt.

Kamara himself was petitioned by four different football clubs, including FC Kallon and Wilberforce Strikers, on allegations ranging from match manipulation and club inducement to political interference. After extensive hearings, interviews, and evaluation of submitted evidence including video footage and official reports, the Committee dismissed every charge due to lack of substantiating proof.

Accusations that he orchestrated the disqualification of his opponents ignore the transparent and independent nature of the Committee’s work. The Ethics Board not only cleared Kamara of all wrongdoing, it also fined several petitioners for what it deemed frivolous and malicious complaints, further underlining the baselessness of the claims against him.

Originally scheduled earlier in the year, the SLFA Elective Congress was postponed to August 2025 amid growing concerns over transparency, the need for a credible vetting process, and tensions within the football community. The Ethics Committee’s establishment in April 2025 was part of the roadmap to restore integrity and rebuild public confidence in SLFA leadership.

This election cycle has drawn increased attention because of the high profile nature of its candidates. Brima, who was elected president in 2021, faced mounting criticism over his handling of the association, particularly around issues of financial accountability and internal governance. Meanwhile, Kamara entered the race as a respected figure with a track record of success at the club level, particularly with Bo Rangers FC, who have thrived both on and off the pitch under his leadership.

Kamara’s journey in football administration began with his role as chairman of the Bo Rangers Fan Club in 2018. By 2019, he had become executive chairman of the club, where he introduced structural reforms, expanded youth development programs, and led Bo Rangers to become one of the most competitive teams in Sierra Leone’s top flight.

He has consistently emphasized professionalism, investment in talent, and financial sustainability values the SLFA could benefit from at a time of transition. His critics may be vocal, but his credentials are rooted in results, not rhetoric.

It’s important to remember that no finding by the Ethics Committee pointed to any manipulation or unethical behavior by Babadi Kamara. In fact, the document shows he voluntarily submitted to the same probity checks and responded transparently to all questions asked during the integrity hearings.

Casting suspicion on a candidate simply because others were disqualified does not serve the interest of football development. It undermines the very institutions created to ensure accountability. The Ethics Committee’s conclusions were grounded in evidence and procedure, not political convenience.

As the SLFA heads into what may be a turning point for the sport in Sierra Leone, it’s crucial to separate fact from perception. Babadi Kamara deserves to be judged by his record and his vision, not by the shadows cast by others’ failures.

So, let’s leave Babadi alone and let the game play on.