By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
The Sierra Leone Squash Association has honoured its president, Baseem Mohammed, following his appointment as Vice President for the West and Central Region of the Squash Federation of Africa.
The honouring ceremony, held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Sierra Leone Golf Club, attracted key figures from the sporting fraternity, including National Olympic Committee/Commonwealth Games Association of Sierra Leone (NOC/CGA-SLE)’s President Prince Vandy Sualley and Secretary General Ahmed Khanou, presidents of various sports associations, physical education teachers, squash players and legends of the game.
Delivering the welcome address, Fofie Baimba congratulated Mohammed on his continental appointment and disclosed that the Golf Club has two squash courts available for use by the association.
Speaking at the event chaired by Abdul Wahab Swarray, Vice President of the association, Edward Kargbo, said the cocktail dinner was organised to celebrate Mohammed’s achievement after defeating a Nigerian opponent with 72 percent of the votes in the election on March 17, 2026.
“Winning such an election is not easy, especially considering the popularity of squash in Nigeria. We thought it fitting to bring together past and present players to honour Mr. Baseem,” Kargbo stated.
He also paid tribute to veteran squash players who represented Sierra Leone at international level, including Issa Kamara, P. Moiba, Mr. Lannon, Solomon Fatorma and others, commending their contribution to the development of the sport.
Secretary General of the association, James E. Fayai, praised the progress made under Mohammed’s leadership and appealed to stakeholders at the Golf Club to encourage more children within the surrounding communities to take up squash.
Prince Vandy Sualley, the NOC/CGA-SLE’s President, described Mohammed’s appointment as well deserved, noting that the growth of squash in Sierra Leone had gained recognition across the continent.
Sualley recalled the visit of President of the Squash Federation of Africa (SFA), Dr. Lucky Mlilo, to Sierra Leone last year, during which he expressed satisfaction with the development and direction of the sport in the country.
“There has been significant progress in squash under his leadership. It gives me great pleasure to congratulate him on this well-deserved appointment,” Sualley said.
Responding, Baseem Mohammed thanked the executive, players and legends of the sport for the honour bestowed on him. He also commended Baico Sesay and James E. Fayai for their efforts in registering the association with regional and international squash bodies.
Mohammed acknowledged the financial challenges associated with the sport but assured stakeholders that the association is working tirelessly to attract sponsorship and expand participation across the country.
“Our aim is to ensure that more people play squash. We also want to increase Sierra Leone’s participation at international competitions and eventually compete at the Olympic Games,” he said, while disclosing plans for an upcoming West African regional competition.
Statements were also delivered by Victor Amara, Oness O. Johnson and Ibrahim G. T. Sankoh, all of whom congratulated Mohammed on his continental achievement.