The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 13th African Games has responded to recent allegations made by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, over the budget expenditure of the multi-sport event.
According to the opposition lawmaker, government has planned to spend a “staggering” $48 million on “operational expenses” aside the $195 million or GH¢2.4 billion already spent on infrastructure.
He said on Monday, February 26 that this was brought to light by a document he intercepted.
“A careful reading of the intercepted February 13, 2024 letter signed by the LOC Executive Chairman, Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare confirms that this ginormous US$48million (GHS602million) will be spent in less than a three week period (18 days),” the National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP alleged.
“This translates into a 6-day weekly expenditure on ‘operational expenses’ of a mind boggling GHS200.6million, and an even more incredible daily ‘operational expenses’ of GHS33.4million.”
But the LOC, in a statement on Tuesday, February 27, says the allegations are a misrepresentation of the facts and also a “disingenuous ploy” by the lawmaker to divert attention.
“The impression created by Hon Ablakwa that the sum of USD$48m will be spent within the period spanning 8th-23rd March is an erroneous and disingenuous ploy to divert attention of Ghanaians from the excellent work done by the Government of Ghana and the LOC to organise and host the 13th African Games,” the statement signed by LOC Chairman Dr Kwaku Ofosu Asare said.
Dr Ofosu Asare clarified that the figure quoted by the MP as “operational expenses” is a recurrent expenditure and the LOC can only be in a better position to give a breakdown after the Games are over.
“The Local Organising Committee in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports will continue to remain transparent in our dealings with the public as we strive to host one of the best organised Games on the continent.”
The statement also announced that the sector minister, Mustapha Ussif, will on Monday, March 4 update Ghanaians on preparations towards the Games so far.
It also said Mr Ussif will continue to engage the public and address Parliament in due course on the readiness of the nation for the 13th edition of the pan-African games.
