Government Counters Ablakwa ‘s Allegations on All African Games Spending

In a response to claims made by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa concerning Government ‘s overbudgetting of the All African Games to be held in Ghana, the Local Organising Committee (LOC), has dismissed these allegations as inaccurate. Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, the Executive Chairman of the LOC, issued a statement refuting the MP’s assertion that over GH¢604m had been recklessly allocated for the event.

Ablakwa had raised concerns over what he perceived as an egregious overspending on the operational budget for the games, suggesting a 500% increase over the approved amount by parliament. According to him, the government, the sports ministry, and the LOC were planning to expend an exorbitant sum of US$48 million (approximately GH¢604 million) on operational expenses alone, separate from the US$195 million (GHS2.4 billion) already disbursed for infrastructure.

However, the LOC’s statement clarified the situation, arguing that the operational budget had been accumulating since the inception of the committee nearly four years ago by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. They contested Ablakwa ‘s portrayal of the budget as being confined to the 18-day duration of the games, scheduled for March 8-23, 2024.

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The LOC emphasized that such a monumental event, hosting 54 African countries for the first time since its 1965 inception, naturally incurs significant costs across various domains including medical and anti-doping measures, transportation, accommodation, and catering, among others.

Dr. Ofosu-Asare’s statement further clarified that the quoted $48 million encompasses recurrent expenditures necessary for the comprehensive hosting and organization of the Games, promising a detailed breakdown post-event. The statement highlighted the complexity and financial demands of hosting such a significant sporting tournament, which includes expenses for branding, games management systems, team Ghana’s preparation, broadcasting, and equipment for 29 sporting disciplines.

This rebuttal comes after Ablakwa ‘s claim of financial impropriety involving the president, the sports ministry, and the LOC. He criticized a fundraiser organized by the presidency for the games as improper and pledged to summon the sports minister before parliament to address the controversy.

As the debate continues, the government’s statement aims to reassure the public and stakeholders of the transparency and accountability surrounding the financial management of the 13th All African Games. With the LOC’s commitment to providing a post-games financial report, stakeholders are awaiting further clarifications to ensure that the historic event remains a source of national pride rather than controversy.

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