13th African Games volunteers have slept in ‘dumsor’ for more than 4 days due to finished prepaid credit – Ablakwa

Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has alleged that individuals who volunteered for the 13th African Games have slept in darkness for over four days in their residences due to exhausted prepaid credits.

In a Facebook post, Mr Ablakwa shared a WhatsApp conversation between one John (believed to be the medium between the authorities and the volunteers) and volunteers.

As a remedy, the volunteers have been directed to purchase their own electricity for the interim as authorities work to refund the money used.

“Please how far with those with finish prepaid credits, some volunteers have been without lights for the past 4 days,” a concerned volunteer wrote.

John replied: “Team, unfortunately, we’re still awaiting funds for electricity. If possible, please purchase small amounts for your rooms. We’re working on securing the funds, but will alert you when we get some funds. Your patience is appreciated.

According to Mr Ablakwa, it is unacceptable to claim everything is working out smoothly with regards to the tournament when volunteers are struggling.

“As Ghana’s Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif goes about bragging that he’s organized the best African Games, hundreds of his volunteers are without prepaid credits and have been sleeping in darkness at the games for more than 4 days,” he said.

He expressed concern that “a US$243million tournament is unable to pay for prepaid credits, and yet the Minister is demanding praise.”

“I reiterate that Ghana’s hosting of the 13th African Games is the next big scandal. We shall delve into the multiple scandals soon,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif has expressed disapproval of the media’s focus on the negative aspects of Ghana’s hosting of the 2023 African Games. Instead, he encourages highlighting the positive elements of the event.

During a press conference at the University of Ghana Stadium, Mr Ussif argued that Ghana has garnered international acclaim for organizing “spectacular games.”