Ghana’s Auditor-General has surcharged former Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, and two other former officials GHS580,042,347.40. This surcharge relates to financial irregularities that emerged from Ghana’s hosting of the 13th African Games.
The action follows a comprehensive audit into the expenditure, contract management, and procurement processes for the continental sporting event in 2024. The Auditor-General’s findings indicate that the amount represents financial irregularities and liabilities. These issues arose from decisions made by the three officials during the planning and execution phases of the sports event.
This development adds to ongoing scrutiny of public spending on large government projects in Ghana. The African Games project attracted widespread public attention concerning the cost of infrastructure and overall expenditure. President John Dramani Mahama initiated the comprehensive audit in October 2025, soon after assuming office. Similar audits often follow significant public outcry over perceived mismanagement of state funds, reflecting a broader push for accountability.
The Auditor-General’s report explicitly recommended the recovery of the GHS580,042,347.40 from Mustapha Ussif, William Kartey, and Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare. William Kartey served as the former Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare was the former Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC). Ghana’s financial laws require persons surcharged to either refund the disallowed amounts or legally challenge the decision.
The report revealed a total of GHS2,245,515,037.44 was received and spent on the event. This left a total liability of GHS208,583,739.49. The Auditor-General further recommended that Mr. Ussif and the two others be sanctioned under Section 92 of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) as amended. This section outlines penalties, including fines or imprisonment, for contravening procurement provisions.
Specific irregularities highlighted include an alleged overpricing of a contract awarded to JDK Travel and Tours. The contract, for branding and de-branding vehicles, totalled GHS3,164,828.75. However, market benchmarking suggested the services should have cost approximately GHS1,161,707, indicating an alleged overpricing of GHS2,003,121.75. Another instance involved a payment of GHS4,493,548.68 to Messrs Delovely Company Ltd for sports equipment. The audit confirmed that table tennis, badminton, and handball equipment valued at US$206,044.15 was never supplied.
These findings underscore the need for stronger oversight in public procurement and contract management. The next steps will involve the surcharged officials responding to the Auditor-General’s directive. They can either comply with the recovery order or initiate legal proceedings to contest the findings. This process will set a precedent for accountability in future large-scale government projects. Investors and the public will watch closely how these proceedings unfold, particularly regarding the enforcement of public financial regulations.