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President John Dramani Mahama, has directed the Auditor-General to initiate an immediate and thorough forensic investigation into the US$245 million allegedly spent on Ghana’s hosting of the 13th All-African Games from 4 to 23 March 2024.
This directive is intended to promote full transparency and accountability in the event’s financial management. The decision comes in response to growing public and parliamentary concern about the substantial budget allocated to the 15-day Games.
The overall expenditure reached US$245 million, prompting debates over the allocation and use of funds during the organisation of the continental sporting event.
Detailed budget breakdowns reveal that approximately $195 million was allocated to infrastructure development, upgrading sports facilities, and related construction work necessary for hosting the Games.
Feeding athletes cost $15 million, covering meals and nutrition during the competition period. This went to the wife of Nana Bediatuo Asante, then Executive Secretary to the President, Nana Akufo-Addo, Sarah Mary Olufemi Adetola, also known as Femi.
Operational costs, including transportation, logistics, and event management, consumed around $48 million.
These costs have drawn scrutiny from various stakeholders, who question the efficiency and necessity of such high-spending categories. The forensic audit is expected to clarify these concerns.
In July, Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, revealed that the National Investigative Bureau is currently preparing a detailed investigative report into the $245 million expenditure linked to Ghana’s hosting of the All-African Games from March 4 to March 23, 2024.
The report, which also covers other high-profile oral cases, including the “mathematical sets” and “drip” scandals, is expected to reach his office in a few weeks, marking a significant step toward legal scrutiny and potential prosecution.
Bluegrass has been identified as a front for Femi, Nana Bediatuo’s wife, who was tasked with procuring the controversial Kapek Scientific Mathematical Instruments (SMI). The mathematical contract was awarded in 2019 by the Ministry of Education, then led by Mathew Opoku Prempeh, for distribution to Senior High School (SHS) students across Ghana, at a cost of US$60 million.
Dr Ayine had explained that the investigative report would lay the groundwork for filing charges, signalling the government’s commitment to addressing concerns about financial irregularities in the hosting of the games.
This investigation is part of a broader governmental drive to promote financial integrity and combat corruption, particularly through initiatives such as Operation Retrieve All Loot (ORAL). Dr Ayine’s office intends to prosecute cases linked to public fund mismanagement decisively.
The anticipated investigative report will not only provide clarity on alleged malpractices but also reinforce Ghana’s commitment to transparency and accountability in public expenditure management for its major national events.
In January, following his appointment, Kofi Adams, then designated Minister for Sports and Recreation, called for a parliamentary investigation into the financial expenditures related to Ghana’s hosting of the 13th African Games.
The Forum for Accountable Governance, alongside various other organizations, has voiced its concerns and formally petitioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to delve into the financial intricacies surrounding the games. This collective call for investigation highlights a growing demand for accountability in public spending, particularly in the context of events of national significance. The financial implications of hosting such a large-scale event have raised eyebrows and prompted questions about the management and allocation of funds.
Kofi Adams has assured the public that the 9th Parliament is committed to addressing these concerns. He recalled discussions in the previous Parliament on expenditures, but noted that the report from the committee investigating sports issues could not be finalised before the 8th Parliament concluded its term. With the new parliamentary session underway, Adams expressed optimism that these matters would be revisited, either through retabling the previous report or referring the issues to the appropriate committee for further examination.
In his statements, Adams emphasised the importance of thorough processes in the investigation, assuring that no avenue for accountability would be overlooked. “We are not ruling out anything, but let’s go through the processes first, and then we’ll see what they look into and what will come out of the loop”,; he stated.
As the parliamentary investigation unfolds, the eyes of the nation will be on the 9th Parliament to see how it handles the financial scrutiny of the Africa Games. The outcome of this inquiry could have significant implications for future sporting events in Ghana and the management of public funds, setting a precedent for accountability in the realm of sports and recreation.
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