The Ghana Police Service presented a bill of GH₵35.8 million for its services during the Accra 2023 African Games. This substantial amount could not be properly justified by the police. Dr. Kwaku Ofosu Asare, the chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the games, made this assertion. He appeared before the Public Accounts Committee on Monday.
Dr. Ofosu Asare explained the initial agreement. Police were expected to only assist with security. The committee was also responsible for feeding the police officers. Later, the police withdrew their services. Following this withdrawal, a large bill was presented to the LOC. Dr. Ofosu Asare expressed shock at the amount. He requested a detailed breakdown. This was to support the police's financial claim. The justification was never provided.
The LOC chaired by Dr. Ofosu Asare expected police services to last around three weeks. The 2023 African Games officially began on March 8, 2024. The tournament concluded on March 23, 2024. However, the police service reportedly withdrew its support before the games ended. This withdrawal happened despite the expected duration of their involvement. Public funds allocated for large events are a significant part of Ghana's national budget. Ensuring transparency in their use is crucial for public trust. This situation highlights potential issues in procurement and service delivery.
Dr. Ofosu Asare stated his concern directly to the committee. He asked for clarity on the expenditure. "So I wrote to them and asked them to justify it. And they could not justify it," he told the committee. This lack of justification is a serious concern for accountability. The Public Accounts Committee is tasked with scrutinizing government spending. Its role is to ensure public money is used effectively and honestly.
Despite the failure to justify the GH₵35.8 million bill, the payment was still made to the Ghana Police Service. This raises questions about the disbursement process. It also impacts the public's confidence in financial oversight. Future large-scale events will likely face increased scrutiny regarding security costs. Decisions made by bodies like the Public Accounts Committee can influence government spending policies. This event also comes at a time when Ghana continues to manage its national debt. Careful management of public finances is therefore paramount.