Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has released documents alleging that the government is overspending its operational expenses budget by approximately 500% of the amount approved by Parliament for preparations for the 13th All African Games.
He accused President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the games of being complicit in the inflated expenditure.
In a social media post dated February 26, 2024, Mr Ablakwa stated that the three entities have agreed to spend a significant and unjustifiable US$48 million on “operational expenses” for the 13th African Games, scheduled to be hosted in Ghana from March 5 to March 23, 2024.
“It must be noted that this staggering US$48 million is an entirely different amount from the mega US$195 million (GHS2.4 billion) already spent on infrastructure for the games.
“At the prevailing exchange rate, US$48 million is equivalent to a colossal GHS602 million,” he added.
Mr Ablakwa also revealed details of a fundraiser organized by the presidency for the games, highlighting his concerns about the appropriateness of this action.
He has indicated that the Minister of Youth and Sports will be summoned to appear before parliament this week to provide explanations regarding the expenditure related to the games.