Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency has denounced the dismissal of the NSA Director-General as insufficient, calling for further action from President Akufo-Addo and the government.
The Chairman of the Assurance Committee of Parliament, challenged President Akufo-Addo’s decision to dismiss Mr Numekevor, labelling it a “face-saving” measure that fails to address the full scope of responsibility for the debacle surrounding the GHS 85 million allocated for stadia rehabilitation.
In his statement, Hon. Ablakwa did not mince words. He directly accused the government of financial mismanagement, pointing fingers at key individuals he believes should be held accountable.
“The President must immediately retrieve our GHS 85 million stadia rehabilitation payments from his cousin Kelvin Ofori-Atta and Javkier Limited owned by the Arhin ladies,” he demanded, referring to the rehabilitation project, which has become a national embarrassment due to perceived mismanagement and substandard work.
The North Tongu lawmaker, Hon. Ablakwa further insisted that the dismissal of the National Sports Director-General alone is insufficient to address the “monumental international disgrace” Ghana has suffered.
He argued that the Sports Minister, who has been overseeing the project, must also be relieved of his duties.
“The Sports Minister must equally be fired, and all those responsible for this humongous international disgrace and huge financial loss to the state should be prosecuted,” he asserted, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive action to restore Ghana’s reputation.
Concerns Over Corruption and Governance
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament critique extended beyond the sports infrastructure crisis, as he accused the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government of rampant corruption and incompetence.
He lambasted the administration for what he described as its role in dragging Ghana’s name through the mud on the global stage, stressing that “creating one scapegoat is not adequate deterrence” to prevent future governance failures.
The North Tongu MP also hinted at the broader sentiment among Ghanaians, suggesting that many are eagerly awaiting a change in leadership to ensure proper accountability.
“Most Ghanaians simply can’t wait for the period of real accountability from January 7, 2025,” he wrote, referencing the upcoming elections in 2024, which he hopes will usher in a new era of governance focused on transparency and anti-corruption.
Hon. Ablakwa’s remarks come on the heels of an official letter from the Office of the President terminating the appointment of the National Sports Authority Director-General, Mr Dodzie Numekevor, following mounting criticism of Ghana’s handling of its sports infrastructure rehabilitation.
A letter signed by the Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante, confirmed that Mr. Numekevor had been relieved of his duties effective immediately.
According to the letter, Mr. Numekevor has been directed to hand over his office to the Chairman of the NSA Governing Board by the close of business on September 17, 2024.
The letter thanked the former National Sports Authority Director-General for his service but provided no further details regarding the reasons for his termination.
“You are directed to hand over your Office to the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Authority, who is copied on this letter”, the statement read.
The dismissal comes at a time when Ghana’s sports sector is facing intense scrutiny following the Confederation of African Football’s withdrawal of Ghana’s right to host international matches due to the deteriorating and substandard state of the country’s key sports facilities.
Public dissatisfaction has grown over the use of public funds in these projects, with many citizens questioning the oversight and governance structures that allowed such issues to fester.
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