MPs clash in Parliament over breakdown of money spent on African Games

A fierce debate erupted on the floor of parliament between the Minority caucus and Majority over the detailed breakdown of the money the country spent on the 2023 African Games hosted in Ghana.

The debate began to heat up in parliament when Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif omitted the amount spent by the country in his report on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

Ghana, as part of hosting the competition, provided accommodation and meals for athletes and officials from participating countries during the games, which took place from March 8-23, 2024.

Speaking after the Sports Minister had concluded his report, Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson criticized Mustapha Ussif for not accounting for the funds spent.

"We know for sure $15 million was allocated to a company called M and L Company Limited for 18 days of feeding, which amounts to 226 million cedis for 18 days. You cannot come here and deliver a statement without accounting for $15 million for 18 days. This is public money," stated the MP for Ajumako Enyan Essiam.

Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin urged the MPs to commend the Sports Minister for the successful hosting of the games instead.

"Instead of commending the Minister for a good job done, you want to use the opportunity to critique and say things that are not factual."

Another Minority member, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, also questioned, "There is no mention of how much this country has spent on the games. What is the honorable minister concealing from this house? What is he hiding?"

Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, in a sharp rebuttal, defended the Sports Minister, requesting more time to compile the figures.

"You cannot expect that within two or three weeks, the Minister should be able to come before this house and explain everything. The Minority Leader, fortunately, is an accountant and understands these things."

The African Games, hosted in Accra, saw Ghana win a total of 69 medals.