Former Sports Minister Rejects Auditor-General’s Findings on GH₵579m African Games Spending
Gladson Afriyie
Journalist
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Former Youth and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif has denied any wrongdoing after an Auditor-General’s report linked him and other officials to financial irregularities worth over GH₵579 million from the 13th All-African Games held in Accra in 2023.
The 2025 audit flagged several issues, including inflated costs, payments without supporting documents, undelivered goods, and contract breaches. The problems cut across catering, transport, accommodation, equipment purchases, and infrastructure projects. The report also called for the recovery of more than $44 million and €629,070 in foreign currency from individuals connected to the Games.
In a statement issued Tuesday, May 26, the Yagaba/Kubori MP rejected the claims.
“My attention has been drawn to the release of an audit report, which report is titled: Comprehensive Audit Report on the 13th African Games, Accra 2023. The said report, I understand attributes various irregularities to me. I however deny being responsible for any such irregularities, if any at all,” Ussif said.
He added that he expects Parliament to review the report and give implicated persons a chance to respond. “It is my understanding that the report of the audit will be presented to Parliament and persons who may have answers to findings will be invited to respond accordingly. Therefore, I look forward to the opportunity to respond to all the claims of impropriety in the said report,” he stated.
The Auditor-General’s findings covered nearly every aspect of the Games’ organization. Major concerns were raised about engineering and construction works, with the report noting significant contract variations and inflated costs.
Projects specifically mentioned include the Borteyman Sports Complex, University of Ghana Stadium, and Legon Sports Village.
The Auditor-General has recommended that the named officials be held jointly liable for recovering the flagged amounts as part of ongoing accountability efforts.
