By Foday Moriba Conteh
In a groundbreaking show of corporate support for women’s sports, Marampa Mines Limited (MML) has donated $150,000 to the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) in support of the Sierra Leone Women’s Premier League (SLWPL). The contribution marks the largest corporate sponsorship ever made toward women’s football in the country.
The cheque presentation ceremony held on Saturday 8th November, 2025 at SLFA Headquarters on Kingtom in Freetown, brought together representatives from the mining company, SLFA Executives, government officials, and members of the sporting community. The donation underscores MML’s growing commitment to empowering women, youth and community development beyond its mining operations.
Delivering remarks at the event, Craig Dean, Chairman of Marampa Mines Limited, said the company’s decision to support the Women’s Premier League reflects its broader mission of social impact, inclusion and national development.
“I am a strong believer in the power of God and in the importance of giving back,” Craig Dean said. “It’s by the Lord’s grace that we are here and one of the reasons I am proud to put this money forward is to support the young women of Sierra Leone who are working hard to excel in football.”
He also acknowledged the collaborative effort of his Management team, emphasizing that success in both business and sports depends on teamwork. “Just like in football, everything depends on the team. Without a team, we are nothing,” he said. “I’m grateful to have strong leaders around me, both at Marampa and within our group, who share this vision of empowering women through sport.”
Craig Dean highlighted Marampa Mines’ continued investment in Sierra Leone, noting that together with its parent company, Gerald Group, they have committed over $500 million to the country’s economy through mining and infrastructure development.
He explained that while many sectors sought corporate sponsorship, the request to support women’s football particularly resonated with him and his team.
“Everyone wants us to sponsor something,” Craig Dean remarked. “But when it came to supporting the Women’s Premier League, I couldn’t say no. Empowering women is one of the most important things to me personally and to Marampa Mines as a company.”
Craig Dean disclosed that women currently make up one-third of the Marampa Mines workforce; a milestone the company has maintained for nearly two years, an uncommon achievement in the mining sector globally.
“Mining is not an easy sector for women but we believe in transforming skill sets and creating opportunities,” he said. “Empowering women and youth is central to the kind of progress we want to see in Sierra Leone.”
He added that the company’s investment in the Women’s Premier League aligns with the Government’s vision for gender equality and youth empowerment and also reflects Marampa Mines’ long-term commitment to Sierra Leone.
“I love this country deeply. When I invest here, I am personally happy,” he said. “This $150,000 contribution is not small money it’s a significant step toward strengthening the league and giving our young women a chance to shine.”
Craig Dean praised SLFA President Babadi Kamara for his leadership and vision, noting that it took strong advocacy from Babadi and his team to convince Marampa Mines that the funds would be used effectively to support women’s football.
He emphasized that the sponsorship was not intended as a one-off gesture but as part of a long-term partnership aimed at strengthening women’s football in Sierra Leone.
Craig Dean expressed confidence that the partnership between Marampa Mines and SLFA would go beyond financial support to include mentorship, logistical backing and moral encouragement for female athletes nationwide.
“We’ll be there for you when you need support not just financial but moral and technical,” he assured. “Let’s make this work and build something truly special for women’s football in Sierra Leone.”
In his response, SLFA President Babadi Kamara expressed deep appreciation to Marampa Mines for what he described as a “historic moment for women’s football in Sierra Leone.”
He noted that the donation would go a long way in covering operational costs, player welfare and logistics for the Women’s Premier League’s ongoing season, which has already drawn nationwide attention for its competitiveness and professionalism.
Babadi Kamara said partnership is more than financial support; it symbolizes women’s empowerment and national unity highlighting the recent victories of the Sierra Leone U17 and Senior Women’s National Teams at the 2025 WAFU Women’s Championships.
“This contribution is a game-changer,” he said. “It shows that the private sector is beginning to recognize the potential and importance of investing in women’s sports. On behalf of the football family and the entire nation, we say thank you to Marampa Mines.”
Babadi Kamara added that the SLFA remains committed to ensuring full accountability and transparency in how the funds are used, promising that every dollar will directly benefit the development of women’s football.
Minister of Sports, Augusta James-Teima, praised the partnership as a shining example of how the private sector can drive sports development. “Marampa Mines is not only here to mine resources but to help build Sierra Leone,” she remarked.
In a heartfelt gesture, Sarah Bangura, captain of Sierra Queens and FC Kallon, expressed gratitude on behalf of the players, thanking President Babadi Kamara and Marampa Mines for their unwavering support. The partnership is expected to elevate the SL Women’s Premier League, empower female athletes and inspire the next generation of women footballers across Sierra Leone.
The $150,000 sponsorship sets a new benchmark for corporate involvement in women’s sports in Sierra Leone. It also comes at a time when SLFA is expanding its focus on gender inclusion and youth development, positioning the Women’s Premier League as a flagship competition for empowerment and equality.
