The Auditor-General has recommended sanctions against former Minister of Sports Mustapha Ussif and two others over financial irregularities totalling GHS 580,042,347.40 in the management of the 13th African Games.
The findings point to widespread cost inflation, overpayments, and weak financial controls across multiple contracts and procurement processes linked to the Games.
Former Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif, former Chief Director of the Sports Ministry, William Kartey, and former Local Organising Committee Chairman, Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, are among the top officials cited in the report.
Key issues flagged include inflated costs for catering, accommodation, sports equipment, vehicle services and infrastructure works, alongside irregular payments and contract variations.
The report highlights especially high irregularities in contract variations and rescoping of works, which alone accounted for more than GHS 467 million of the total amount.
The audit concludes that the breaches were widespread across the organisation of the Games, raising concerns about procurement compliance, contract management, and financial oversight throughout the event.
Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare recently appeared before the Public Accounts Committee to answer questions in connection with the organisation of the 13th African Games, where he admitted shock to a 35.8 million Ghana Cedi bill submitted by the Ghana Police Service to deploy 6,000 for the competition.
In November 2025, President John Dramani Mahama ordered the Auditor-General to conduct a comprehensive forensic audit into the organisation and management of the 13th All-African Games, following the submission of a report by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).
The directive underscores the government’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and the prudent use of public funds.
