According to Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the 13th African Games in Accra ended on March 23, 2024, but surprisingly, financial documents indicate that the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government continues to siphon large sums of money from the national coffers under the guise of the games.
Hon. Ablakwa pointed out that this discrepancy raises serious concerns about the transparency and accountability of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government’s handling of public funds.
He revealed that a staggering amount of GH₵168,386,331.00 had been withdrawn from the public purse in just a few weeks, shockingly, long after the games had concluded.
“On May 17th, 2024 — GHS70,000,000.00 was released to the Sports Ministry under a transaction description: Payment for 13th African Games”.
“On July 3rd, 2024 — GH₵ 30,000,000.00 was released to the Sports Ministry under a transaction description: Payment for 13th African Games”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Hon. Ablakwa exposed that on July 16th, 2024, a sum of GH₵ 30,000,000.00 was mysteriously released to the Sports Ministry, with the transaction cryptically described as “Payment for 13th African Games.
He also pointed out that records show a second same-day transaction on July 16, 2024, where GH₵ 38,386,331.00 was paid to the Sports Ministry, again described as “Payment for 13th African Games”, compounding concerns about potential misuse of funds.
The North Tongu MP pointed out that the Finance Ministry had already released a staggering GH₵ 460 million for the African Games before the closing ceremony, exceeding the amount approved by Parliament.
He emphasized that the persistence of these questionable transactions raises profound concerns about the integrity of public financial management, warranting urgent scrutiny and accountability.
Hon. Ablakwa demanded that the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government must urgently account to Ghanaians for the purpose of these colossal post-tournament payments.
Furthermore, he insisted that the government must specify when these excessive releases will cease, bringing an end to the unending drain on public resources.
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Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa emphasized that the government’s reckless spending spree cannot be allowed to continue, especially when vital sectors are being deprived of essential resources.
He warned that the economic plight of Ghanaians will only worsen if this financial hemorrhage persists, exacerbating the already dire economic conditions.
“Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif keeps running from parliamentary accountability but let him know that his days are numbered. The day of reckoning is fast approaching. For God and country, Ghana first”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Meanwhile, Hon. Sam Nartey George expressed concern over the discrepancies in the payments made to GBC by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, highlighting the alarming lack of financial transparency and accountability surrounding the African Games.
He noted that best practices dictate that the GBC contract should not have outsourced more than 50% of its value, implying that the actual deal, with its excessive outsourcing, raises serious questions about its transparency and legitimacy.
“I would follow this matter up including summoning the GBC Management, the Ministry of Information, and the Minister for Youth and Sports before both PAC and the Communications Committee of Parliament to get to the bottom of the matter”.
Hon. Sam Nartey George
The Ningo-Prampram MP leveled a damning accusation against the Ministry of Youth and Sports, alleging that it exploited GBC as a conduit to embezzle funds during the African Games, effectively using the broadcaster as a smokescreen for its nefarious activities.
He suggested that the Ministry deliberately concealed the fact that three companies were subcontracted because they knew that transparency would have sparked public outrage and demands for greater clarity, thereby exposing the Ministry’s questionable dealings.
Sam George asserted that the Ministry of Youth and Sports owes Ghanaians a comprehensive explanation for the blatant looting and egregious mismanagement of public funds, which has reached an unacceptable level.
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