A complete forensic audit performed by the Ghana Audit Authority into the group of the African Video games Accra 2023 has revealed that whereas a complete of GH¢2.245 billion was obtained and spent on the continental sporting occasion, excellent money owed amounting to over GH¢208 million remained unpaid on the time of the audit report.
The audit, performed by the Auditor Basic and printed on February 26, 2026, examined the monetary administration, procurement processes and total utilization of funds earmarked for Ghana’s profitable internet hosting of the Video games.
In keeping with the report, the whole competition-related revenue and expenditure from numerous sources was CHF 2,245,515,037.44.
Nevertheless, regardless of the large expenditure, the report revealed {that a} complete debt of GH¢208,583,739.49 remained excellent as of the audit date.
The debt consists of 155,123,020.15 francs, 4,118,155.65 USD and 288,775.11 euros owed to varied entities and repair suppliers related to the group of the Video games.
The findings have reignited public debate over the whole price of the multi-sports occasion that Ghana will host in March 2024, which is able to contain intensive infrastructure improvement, sports activities facility renovations and operational prices.
The Video games, held in Accra, Kumasi and Cape Coast, marked the primary time Ghana hosted the distinguished continental competitors and was broadly praised for its opening ceremony, improved sports activities infrastructure and organizational success.
Main amenities constructed or upgraded for the match embrace the Beauteiman Sports activities Advanced, the renovated College of Ghana Sports activities Stadium, and a number of other participant lodging centres.
Nevertheless, the price of the conference grew to become a serious topic of political debate earlier than and after the conference, with critics elevating considerations concerning the procurement course of, spending ranges, and worth for cash.
The Auditor Basic’s report didn’t discover any felony prices towards officers concerned within the group of the Video games, however really helpful sanctions towards some former authorities appointees and officers for alleged monetary misconduct.
These cited within the report embrace former Minister of Youth and Sports activities Mustafa Usif, former Secretary of the Ministry William Kartoi and former Native Organizing Committee (LOC) Chairman Dr. Kwaku Ofosu Asare.
The report additionally really helpful the restitution of some monies associated to irregularities recognized throughout the audit course of.
Though particulars of particular misconduct or suggestions for fines weren’t instantly made public, the report is anticipated to accentuate requires larger transparency and accountability within the administration of public funds earmarked for main nationwide tasks and worldwide occasions.
The forensic audit was carried out as a part of a wider authorities effort to scrutinize spending associated to the Video games, following persistent public considerations over the ultimate price of internet hosting the Video games.
The African Video games had been one of many largest investments in sport that Ghana had made in latest many years, and authorities officers on the time noticed it as a strategic alternative to extend sport improvement, tourism, and worldwide recognition.
However financial analysts and civil society teams have repeatedly argued that the large spending requires stricter oversight, particularly at a time when the nation was implementing fiscal reforms below an financial restoration program supported by the Worldwide Financial Fund.
The discharge of the audit report is prone to end in additional parliamentary and public scrutiny, notably relating to the long-term worth derived from procurement choices, contract awards, and infrastructure investments associated to the Video games.
