'I can't answer for them' – LOC boss clashes with MPs over African Games' GH¢1.107m spending

Former Executive Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2023 African Games, Dr Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, clashed with members of Parliament’s Sports Committee after declining to explain three media-related expenditure items contained in the Games’ financial report. During his appearance before the committee, a panel member referred to page 70 of the LOC report and asked Ofosu-Asare to explain the difference between GH¢200,000 allocated for “media engagement programs”, GH¢207,000 for “media activities” and GH¢700,000 for “media resources”. The three items amount to GH¢1.107 million. Ofosu-Asare, however, declined to provide an explanation, saying the question should be directed to the head of the media and protocol committee, who was responsible for that area. GFA reveals why Inaki Williams retired from Black Stars “If they all have been present, this question would have gone directly to him, so I’ll plead that this question is reserved for him,” he told the committee. He explained that the various portfolio heads had specific responsibilities and that, when appearing before a committee, the appropriate person should answer questions relating to their portfolio. Members of the panel pushed back, arguing that Ofosu-Asare was the LOC’s Executive Chairman and had oversight of the portfolio heads. The committee also pointed out that the report being questioned had been presented to him and carried his signature, meaning he should be able to account for the figures contained in it. Ofosu-Asare maintained that everyone had been invited to appear before the committee and that it would be unfair for him to answer on behalf of officials responsible for the specific expenditure. The exchange prompted a strong response from the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Assifuah, who said the explanation gave the impression that the LOC chairman was distancing himself from responsibility for the use of public funds. “The answer that you’re giving this committee is like throwing in your hands in despair and telling us that public funds were spent and I do not care as to whatever they used the money for, I cannot speak to,” Assifuah said. The questioning comes amid wider scrutiny of expenditure surrounding Ghana’s hosting of the African Games. A 2026 Auditor-General’s forensic audit subsequently identified GH¢580.04 million in financial irregularities linked to the Games and recommended recovery and sanctions involving former Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif, former Chief Director William Kartey and Ofosu-Asare. FKA/JKB Mahama’s New Car Loan Plan Could Make It Easier for Ghanaians to Own Cars Source: www.ghanaweb.com
« Previous | Next »