The Western Area Volleyball Association (WAVA) successfully convened its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Elective Congress on Saturday, July 5, at King Harman Road in Freetown. Under the theme “Building a Sustainable Future,” the event brought together delegates, officials, and stakeholders to reflect on the association’s progress, renew its leadership, and set a strategic course for sustainable development in the region’s volleyball landscape.
The high point of the event was the election of a new executive, led by re-elected President Moses N. Koroma, who pledged continued commitment to inclusive leadership and institutional transparency.
“Volleyball as a sport and as an association, we are compliant with our constitution and uphold best practices at all times,” President Koroma affirmed in his remarks. “Though we’ve faced challenges in mobilising resources, we remain united and determined to drive growth. Let us all come forward and contribute. This association belongs to all of us.”
Newly Elected Executive Members of WAVA
Moses N. Koroma – President
Ibrahim Tortor Koroma – Vice President
Karifa Thoronka – Secretary General
Mohamed Ishmail Kamara – Deputy Secretary General
Ansumana Bangura – Public Relations Officer / Marketing
Henry Momoh Kamara – Financial Secretary
Mustapha Sumoi Vandi – Organising Secretary
Augusta Tucker – Gender Minority 1
Rebecca Memesie Kamara – Gender Minority 2 (in Organising Secretary category)
In one of the closely contested races of the congress, Mustapha Sumoi Vandi emerged victorious as Organising Secretary, defeating Michael Bangura Jr by a margin of 3 votes in a secret ballot. Vandi secured 5 votes, while Bangura Jr received 2 votes, in a testament to the competitiveness and transparency of the electoral process.
The event also featured a keynote address by Ahmed Khanou, President of the Volleyball Federation of Sierra Leone and Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee and the Commonwealth Games Association of Sierra Leone. President Khanou commended WAVA for its alignment with international governance standards and called on the new executive to focus on structural transformation, innovation, and athlete-centered development.
“The Western Area remains the heartbeat of volleyball in Sierra Leone,” he said. “Let this AGM not just produce resolutions, let it produce action. Stronger clubs, better governance, empowered athletes, and a louder voice for the Western Area.”
He also encouraged WAVA to tap into available opportunities through the FIVB, CAVB, and Olympic Solidarity initiatives, urging coaches, administrators, and clubs to pursue resources that support youth, women, and athlete development.
As the newly elected team takes office, there is renewed optimism within WAVA and the broader volleyball family.