Ghana’s Parliament became a battleground of heated debate between the Minority and Majority groups on Tuesday, June 25, over the financial report on the 2023 African Games, which were hosted in Ghana from March 8-23, 2024.
Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif presented a report on the event to the House. However, the report lacked specific details on the expenditures incurred during the games, leading to significant criticism from the Minority in Parliament.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, was particularly vocal, demanding a full accounting of the funds spent.
“We know for sure $15 million was allocated to a company called M and L Company Limited for 18 days of feeding, which amounts to 226 million cedis for those 18 days,” Dr. Forson asserted.
“You cannot come here and deliver a statement without accounting for $15 million for 18 days. This is public money.”
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, echoed these concerns.
“There is no mention of how much this country has spent on the games. What is the honourable minister concealing from this house? What is he hiding?” Ablakwa questioned.
In defense, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin dismissed the Minority’s criticisms, suggesting their priorities were misplaced.
“Instead of commending the Minister for a good job done, you want to use the opportunity to critique and say things that are not factual,” he said.
Former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu also supported the Sports Minister, arguing that more time is needed to compile a comprehensive financial report.
“You cannot say that within two weeks or three weeks, the Minister should be able to come before this house and explain everything. The Minority Leader, fortunately, is an accountant and he understands these things,” Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stated.
Despite the controversy over the financial details, the 2023 African Games were a significant success for Ghana, which won a total of 69 medals.