Ghana's Auditor-General has raised concerns over a GHS180 million catering contract for the 13th African Games in Accra. The audit questions how the government determined the amount and whether it paid for unconsumed meals.
This catering contract, awarded as a fixed-sum agreement, lacked systems to verify actual meal consumption. The auditors found no daily attendance registers, meal tickets, or electronic scan logs. The contract also failed to specify the headcount and meal-day assumptions used in pricing. This makes it difficult to reconcile the total contract amount with the food actually consumed.
This issue fits into a broader narrative of public finance scrutiny in Ghana, particularly concerning large-scale national events. Past audits involving government projects have often highlighted discrepancies and inadequate due diligence. Such findings reinforce calls for improved financial oversight and transparency in public procurements. They also put pressure on the government to demonstrate responsible use of taxpayer money, especially during current economic challenges.
The Auditor-General's report, part of a comprehensive audit on African Games expenditure, specifically mentions the contract with catering firm L&M. Auditors found no evidence of provisions for refunds or deductions if fewer meals were consumed than projected. They also noted an additional $2.8 million in catering-related expenses lacked adequate justification.
This revelation suggests potential financial implications for the state, possibly leading to recommendations for recovery of funds. Financial watchdogs and the public will closely monitor the government’s response to these findings. Such incidents can impact investor confidence and public trust in financial management.
The Auditor-General's report recommended recovering the GHS180 million. The recommendation targets the former Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, the former Chief Director of the Ministry, William Kartey, and the former Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare. This move underscores the serious nature of the audit findings.
Management of the Local Organizing Committee and the Ministry of Youth and Sports responded to the audit findings. They stated the contract used an “availability-based catering model.” This model aimed to ensure food services were always available to accredited participants, regardless of actual attendance. They argued this approach transferred the risk of fluctuating demand to the contractor. Officials estimated feeding approximately 10,600 consumers. They budgeted meals at $15 per meal, totalling $60 per person per day for 23 days. This estimate included early arrivals and late departures for athletes and officials.
The LOC also defended the additional $2.8 million in catering expenses. They explained that existing kitchen facilities at the Games Village were inadequate. Extensive additional infrastructure was necessary to serve 7,520 athletes and officials. This included addressing insufficient refrigeration, storage, and food preparation space. Special arrangements were also needed for halal and vegetarian meals, especially during Ramadan. The LOC cited threats of boycott from some North African countries if adequate provisions were not made. Officials also detailed investments in water, waste-water management, and power supply. This was essential after existing infrastructure was deemed unsuitable for an event of this magnitude.