NDC calls for forensic audit into All African Games budget

The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is calling for a forensic audit into the budget and expenditure for the preparation and organisation of the ongoing All African Games in Ghana.

The party highlights that despite the New Patriotic Party (NPP) allocating $195 million for pre-games preparations and an additional $48 million to the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for transportation, feeding, and logistics, there are significant shortcomings in the execution of the games.

Expressing dismay, the NDC condemns the substantial financial investment made by the ruling NPP government into the ongoing All Africa games. The party emphasizes that rather than bringing pride to the country, the allocation of funds has only resulted in embarrassment and shame.

In a statement issued by its National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, dated Monday, March 18, 2024, the party calls for the resignation or dismissal of Mustapha Ussif, the Minister of Youth and Sports, citing his alleged “gross incompetence” in overseeing the organization of the games.

Likewise, the party insists on the dissolution of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) responsible for the All African Games, echoing their dissatisfaction with the current management and organization of the event.

The NDC also expressed concern over the performance and logistical challenges faced by the Ghanaian contingent in the games.

Attached is the full statement from the NDC 

PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
18th March, 2024

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has just sighted media publications about South Africa’s decision to withdraw its men’s and women’s hockey teams from the ongoing African Games due to the substandard nature of Ghana’s Hockey Pitch. This is the latest in a streak of embarrassing spectacles that have characterised the ongoing games.

The other day, Ghana’s Cycling Champion, Michael Naaba had to withdraw from the ongoing cycling competition after his personal  bicycle which he was using for the competition broke down shortly after the contest started.

It has also been reported that Ghana’s Swimming Team withdrew from the 4×100 relay final for undisclosed reasons. It has further been reported that Ghana’s athletes are highly displeased in the ongoing games due to poor preparations and lack of equipment.

Yet, we are told that the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government has spent a colossal USD$195 million on pre-games preparations, while a staggering USD$48 million has been made available to the Local Organising Committee for transportation, feeding and other logistics for the games.