The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 13th African Games has responded to claims made by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, regarding the purported budget for the upcoming event scheduled for March 8-23, 2024.
Dismissing Ablakwa’s analysis as a misrepresentation, the LOC asserts that the provided figures are aimed at diverting attention from the government’s commendable efforts in organizing successful games.
PRESIDENT AKUFO-ADDO’S ELEPHANTINE, WRONGFUL & UNCONSCIONABLE US$48MILLION (GHS602MILLION) “OPERATIONAL EXPENSES” FOR THE 13TH AFRICAN GAMES
1. Even before the dust settles on the scandalous US$8.5million AFCON budget brouhaha; unimpeachable, unassailable and incontrovertible… pic.twitter.com/Dz7d8M4dBj
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) February 26, 2024
The legislator had raised concerns over the budget, citing a staggering US$48 million (GHS602 million) allocated for “operational expenses,” which he deemed six times Parliament’s approved GHS100 million.
misplaced fundraising campaign, how can taxpayers be assured of value for money in the projects these entities would execute?
11. Should GNPC, Ghana Gas, BOST and GOIL which belong to the Ghanaian people be compelled by President Akufo-Addo to sponsor his unconscionable… pic.twitter.com/HuOe2sqHtt
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) February 26, 2024
The Local Organising Committee contends that Ablakwa’s calculations paint a distorted picture, emphasizing their commitment to transparency.
The committee assured the public that a detailed breakdown of expenses would be provided post-event and reiterated their collaboration with the Ministry of Youth & Sports to maintain transparency in their dealings with the public.
The games are scheduled to commence from March 8-23, 2024 with the University of Ghana Stadium and the Borteyman Sports Complex as part of the two venues set to host the rest of Africa.
