A special audit into Ghana’s hosting of the 13th African Games has uncovered financial irregularities totaling GHS 580.04 million. These findings raise serious questions about public procurement controls, contract pricing, and payment approvals for the major continental sporting event.
The Audit Service of Ghana conducted the review following a directive from President John Dramani Mahama. The audit examined spending related to infrastructure, broadcasting, accommodation, catering, transport, and equipment. Auditors identified unsupported payments, inflated contracts, and procurement breaches as key issues.
This situation reflects a recurring problem in Ghana involving large national projects. Weak controls and poor documentation often turn such initiatives into accountability risks. The 13th African Games were presented as a showcase for Ghana, but financial management shortcomings now overshadow this goal. These issues could affect future public confidence in large-scale government projects.
The audit report, detailed by The Vaultz News, highlighted specific concerns. For example, catering services valued at GHS 33.9 million included non-food costs without proper documentation. These costs encompassed transport, utilities, and staffing. Auditors also noted potential overlaps between catering contracts and other providers, risking duplicated expenditure.
Anti-doping services also drew scrutiny. The Ministry reportedly paid Omni Speciality Product Limited over €739,000 for tests. However, international benchmarks showed pricing differences estimated at more than GHS 8 million. This suggests significant overpricing compared to standard rates.
Accommodation and transport contracts also faced critical reviews. Auditors found that hotel rates used in some claims exceeded prevailing market rates, leading to an estimated GHS 10.08 million differential. Furthermore, transportation contracts linked to the same company showed GHS 13.1 million in overpricing. An additional GHS 2.2 million was classified as an overpayment due to incorrect calculations.
The audit also questioned GHS 15 million in payments processed by the Local Organising Committee for activities outside its approved mandate. These included advance salary payments and disbursements for Ghana’s national football team officials. Separately, Joy Sports reported that the forensic audit identified over $40 million in avoidable costs and questionable claims across various projects. These projects included the Borteyman Sports Complex and the University of Ghana Stadium.
The Borteyman Sports Complex alone presented a significant red flag. Auditors estimated a net omission and “opportunity cost for scope shrinkage” of $34.43 million. This occurred despite an original contract value of $145.09 million. Several major components, such as warm-up football fields and drainage works, were omitted or rescoped. Yet, consultant supervision fees reportedly increased after these reductions.
At the University of Ghana Stadium, claims amounting to $2.81 million were flagged as opportunity costs. These costs stemmed from variations and delays, including interest on delayed payments and prolongation costs. The Auditor-General’s findings will likely intensify public debate over the true cost and value for money of the 13th African Games.
These findings could lead to further investigations and potential sanctions against those responsible for financial mismanagement. Lawmakers and civil society groups will likely demand greater transparency and accountability for public funds. Investors and development partners will also closely watch Ghana’s response to these audit revelations, which could impact future funding and economic confidence.