The Minister of Sports and Member of Parliament for Buem, Honourable Kofi Iddie Adams has welcomed the release of the Special Audit Report on the 2023 All African Games, calling it an important step towards accountability and institutional reform. He indicated that the report provides government with an official basis for action and moves public discussion beyond speculation.
“We are happy the audit has been done and released. Government now has an official document that it can work with and act upon.”
Honourable Kofi Iddie Adams
Honourable Adams observed that Ghana possesses adequate laws and regulations to guide public administration. He however stressed that challenges often emerge when established procedures are ignored or delayed during implementation.
The Minister of Sports explained that some of the findings highlighted in the report are linked to failures in following approved processes. He added that such departures from laid down rules often create accountability concerns in public expenditure.
Speaking on the significance of the audit exercise, the Buem MP said the completion of the review brought clarity to issues that generated public debate. He noted that government now has a lawful mode that can support decisions and interventions.
The Minister disclosed that an exit engagement was held with previous officials connected to the organisation of the Games. He stated that challenges identified during that process were received by the auditors for consideration before the final report was issued.
Furthermore, Honourable Adams argued that the publication of the report should not be viewed as the end of the matter. He explained that individuals cited in the findings retain the right to challenge conclusions through legally recognised channels.
The Sports Minister cautioned against relying solely on public statements when disputing findings contained in an Auditor General’s report. He said the country’s legal framework provides clear procedures for contesting audit outcomes.
The Buem MP recalled previous instances where public officials sought judicial review of audit findings. He suggested that those dissatisfied with the report should pursue similar lawful avenues if they believe errors have occurred.
Additionally, Honourable Adams emphasised that government would respect the rights of all affected persons throughout the process. He noted that fairness requires every individual to be granted an opportunity to respond to findings before final actions are taken.
The Minister of Sports stated that accountability mechanisms function best when institutions follow established procedures. He added that strengthening compliance within public institutions is important to preventing similar concerns in future national projects.
He therefore expressed hope that lessons from the African Games audit would contribute to improved governance practices. The report, he said, offers an opportunity to reinforce transparency and adherence to due process across the public sector.
Audit Findings Trigger Calls for Legal Challenge and Recovery Process
The Minister of Sports and Member of Parliament for Buem, Honourable Kofi Iddie Adams has urged individuals named in the African Games Special Audit Report to take immediate steps to challenge the findings if they believe they have been wrongly cited. He stated that persons directly affected by the report should not wait for parliamentary proceedings before initiating the appropriate legal processes.
Honourable Adams made the remarks while responding to comments by the former Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif, who indicated that he was looking forward to addressing the matter when the report reaches Parliament. The Sports Minister argued that a person who is key to an audit finding has a responsibility to respond through the established mechanisms.
“When you are at the centre of an audit report, you should initiate the process and seek to clear yourself through the lawful channels available.”
Honourable Kofi Iddie Adams
The Buem MP explained that the Auditor General’s report already provides avenues through which affected individuals can contest findings. He suggested that any person who believes responsibility lies elsewhere should move quickly to present evidence and pursue available remedies.
In addition to Mustapha Ussif, the report also cited former Chief Director William Kartey and former Local Organising Committee Chairman Dr Kwaku Ofosu Asare. Honourable Adams indicated that all persons identified in the report have the right to challenge its conclusions if they disagree with them.
The Minister of Sports noted that the special audit was commissioned following widespread public concerns over expenditure related to the African Games. He stated that many Ghanaians questioned whether the scale of spending matched the outcomes and infrastructure delivered through the event.
Furthermore, Honourable Adams explained that the report focused largely on instances where procurement procedures were not followed and where value for money concerns were raised. He added that auditors also examined payments made for goods and services that were either not supplied or not delivered as expected.
The Sports Minister addressed the Auditor General’s recommendation concerning more than GH¢500 million in disallowed expenditure. He said the report proposes that the amounts be recovered from the individuals cited unless they successfully challenge the findings.
“If their challenge is upheld, then fine. If it is not, the processes must be initiated to recover the money.”
Honourable Kofi Iddie Adams
Honourable Adams stressed that recovery efforts must follow due process and be guided by the outcome of any legal challenge. He added that accountability measures should be based on evidence and the provisions of the law.
The Buem MP also commented on companies named in the report, including JDK Travel and Tour. He explained that businesses exist to provide services, while public officials bear the responsibility of ensuring that contracts are awarded through proper procedures.
According to Honourable Adams, government attention at this stage should focus primarily on spending officers who authorised payments and approved transactions. He said questions concerning private beneficiaries can be addressed after responsibility for expenditure decisions has been determined.
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