Former Minister Rejects Audit Report Allegations on African Games Expenditure
Former Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has denied any wrongdoing in relation to findings contained in the recently released audit report on the 13th African Games, insisting he should not be held personally liable for the alleged irregularities.
The former minister said his attention had been drawn to the report, titled Comprehensive Audit Report on 13th African Games, Accra 2023, which reportedly referenced him in connection with procurement processes, contract management, and financial issues.
“The said report, I understand, attributes various irregularities to me. I, however, deny being responsible for any such irregularities, if any at all,” he said.
The audit report reportedly recommends sanctions and recovery measures against several former officials, including Mr. Ussif, former Chief Director William Kartey, and former Local Organising Committee Chairman Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, over alleged procurement breaches and financial infractions linked to Ghana’s hosting of the Games in 2024.
Mr. Ussif, however, says he is yet to be given the opportunity to formally respond to the findings.
“It is my understanding that the report will be presented to Parliament and persons who may have answers to findings will be invited to respond accordingly,” he stated.
He added that the parliamentary process would provide the appropriate platform for accountability and clarification.
“Therefore, I look forward to the opportunity to respond to all the claims of impropriety in the said report,” he noted.
His statement is the first public reaction from a principal figure named in the audit, which has sparked public debate over governance, procurement compliance, and financial accountability in Ghana’s hosting of the continental sporting event.
The report highlights alleged irregularities in procurement methods, contract variations, unexplained expenditures, and weaknesses in administrative controls. It also recommends sanctions under the Public Procurement Act and recovery of substantial public funds.
