Former Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has denied allegations of financial wrongdoing following a forensic audit report on Ghana’s hosting of the 13th African Games. The report cited irregularities amounting to more than GHS 580 million.
The 700-page forensic audit report was commissioned by the government. The Ghana Audit Service conducted the comprehensive review. It uncovered widespread alleged financial irregularities linked to the continental sporting event in Accra. Mustapha Ussif, former Chief Director William Kartey, and former Local Organising Committee Chairman Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare were consistently cited in the report. The issues included procurement breaches, unsupported payments, inflated contracts, and questionable expenditure.
This investigation into the African Games’ finances highlights ongoing concerns about public procurement and accountability in Ghana. Similar audit reports in the past have identified significant financial leakages in other government projects. These findings often lead to public debate about safeguarding taxpayer money. The large sum of GHS 579.1 million underscores the potential impact on public finances if these funds are not recovered.
The Auditor-General recommended that the three officials be held jointly responsible for recovering GHS 579,114,352.24. Additionally, it recommended recovering $44,354,881.77 and €629,070 related to the audit findings. Mustapha Ussif, however, rejected these allegations. He insisted he bears no responsibility for any financial impropriety identified in the report. In an official statement, he said, “My attention has been drawn to the release of an audit report…I, however, deny being responsible for any such irregularities, if any at all.”
The Auditor-General's report focused on financial mismanagement rather than criminal findings. It recommended recovery actions and possible sanctions against the implicated officials. The next step involves the report’s presentation to Parliament. This will provide an opportunity for the named individuals to formally respond to the findings. Accountability for public funds remains a critical issue for Ghana’s economic governance.
The audit report highlighted alleged irregularities in various expenditure areas. These areas included catering, accommodation, transport, and anti-doping services. There were also issues with sports equipment procurement, infrastructure, and logistics. Specific findings included alleged inflated accommodation expenses of about $840,000. Overpricing of anti-doping services was estimated at €572,000. More than GHS 30 million in transport and logistics irregularities were found. Nearly GHS 468 million in questioned engineering and construction contract variations linked to the Borteyman Sports Complex and University of Ghana sports facilities were also identified. Moreover, the audit noted that some sports equipment contracts involved payments for items not supplied or lacking proper documentation. This extensive list of irregularities indicates systemic issues in managing large-scale public projects.
The parliamentary review will be a key event to watch. It will demonstrate the government's commitment to tackling financial irregularities. The outcome could set a precedent for future public project oversight. Investors and citizens will monitor how the government addresses these serious allegations. This process is important for enhancing transparency and maintaining trust in public institutions. Ghana's fiscal health depends on prudent management of public funds. Addressing audit findings decisively is crucial to this.