Findings from investigations into the 2023 African Games are described as "shocking and staggering" by anti-corruption campaigner Edem Senanu. He stated that the scale of alleged financial irregularities points to systemic issues rather than just isolated incidents.
Senanu believes the nature of the suspected financial problems suggests coordinated actions. Multiple people within the organisation and finance departments likely participated. He argues the issue is not about a small group of officials but a wider network of enablers.
These remarks come amid public concern about financial oversight and procurement for the 2023 African Games. The event, held in Accra in March 2024, faced allegations of financial mismanagement. Reports indicate that $245 million was spent on the event. Further spending included $15 million for athlete and official feeding and $4.5 million for the games management system and accreditation tags.
"The scope of the financial crimes, the magnitude, is so shocking and staggering. It’s almost like this was a scheme," Senanu said in a JoyNews interview. He expressed concern that accountability efforts might focus too narrowly on a few named individuals. He urged broader probes to uncover all contributors to the alleged financial gaps.
Senanu warned against limiting scrutiny to a few officeholders. This approach risks overlooking other stakeholders who played enabling roles in the financial chain. "It could not just be these three, four, five people. There had to be a whole host of other people participating," he argued. Individuals linked to the Ministry of Sports and the Local Organising Committee have faced public discussion.
The campaigner stressed his comments stem from emerging findings and public discourse. He called for comprehensive investigations. This ensures all responsible parties are held accountable if wrongdoing is proven. Such alleged schemes could involve questionable procurement, improper cash withdrawals, and inflated invoices.