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The Auditor-General has recommended the recovery of more than GH₵579 million from three former top officials linked to Ghana’s organisation of the 13th African Games following a forensic audit commissioned by President John Dramani Mahama last year.
The audit reportedly uncovered widespread financial irregularities, including inflated contract costs, questionable payments, unsupported expenditures, and procurement discrepancies connected to Ghana’s hosting of the continental sporting event.
Although the Auditor-General’s report did not establish criminal liability against the individuals involved, it recommended that former Minister for Youth and Sports Mustapha Ussif, former Chief Director William Kartey, and former Local Organising Committee Chairman Dr Kwaku Ofosu-Asare refund the amount to the state.
According to the findings, authorities are seeking the recovery of GH₵579,114,352.24, alongside $44,354,881.77 and €629,070. The report cited overpricing, unjustified payments, undelivered items, and major contractual inconsistencies as part of the concerns identified during the audit process.
The report also mentioned Prof. Amin Alhassan in connection with a broadcast training contract linked to the Games.
The financial irregularities reportedly spanned multiple sectors associated with the organisation of the tournament, including catering, accommodation, transportation, infrastructure development, branding, logistics, equipment procurement, and administrative spending.
Auditors described the situation as evidence of systemic cost inflation during Ghana’s hosting of the multi-sport event.
The names of Mustapha Ussif, William Kartey, and Dr Kwaku Ofosu-Asare reportedly appeared repeatedly across several expenditure categories flagged in the report. These included sponsorship management, vehicle rental agreements, infrastructure works, accommodation contracts, and procurement transactions.
The audit forms part of broader accountability efforts surrounding public spending and major national projects. The forensic investigation was reportedly commissioned after growing public concerns over the high cost of hosting the Games and questions surrounding procurement processes and value for money.
The 13th African Games, hosted in Ghana, represented one of the country’s biggest sporting events in recent years, attracting athletes and officials from across the continent. However, the event also generated public debate over expenditure levels and infrastructure costs.
While the report recommends recovery of funds, it remains unclear whether additional legal or investigative actions may follow. Authorities are expected to review the findings and determine the next steps regarding enforcement and accountability.
The release of the audit report has already triggered strong reactions on social media, with many Ghanaians calling for transparency, sanctions where necessary, and stricter oversight in the management of public funds for future national projects.
