The Auditor-General has directed former Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, former Chief Director of the ministry, William Kartey, and former Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 13th African Games, Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, to refund over GH¢15 million. These funds were paid from accounts designated for the African Games for expenditures linked to the Black Stars and other activities deemed unrelated to the continental tournament.
Context of the Audit Findings
These directives stem from a comprehensive forensic audit report on the Accra 2023 African Games, released on February 26, 2026. The report meticulously examined financial transactions associated with the hosting of the Games, which were held in Accra, Ghana.
The LOC accounts were established with the specific purpose of managing finances for the planning and hosting of the African Games. However, the audit uncovered what it termed “unrelated and irregular payments” totaling US$487,000 and GH¢9,249,666 from these dedicated accounts.
Irregular Payments to Sports Personnel
A significant portion of the questioned expenditures involved payments to national football team personnel, including the Black Stars Head Coach Otto Addo, former technical advisor Chris Houghton, assistant coach Joseph Laumann, goalkeeper’s trainer Abdul Fatawu Dauda, and former assistant coach John Paintsil. These payments were reportedly salary advances and other compensation.
Specific transactions highlighted include a US$240,000 payment to Otto Addo on May 7, 2024, as a one-year advance salary. On the same date, Houghton Enterprise Limited received US$75,000 as a three-month advance. Further payments to Otto Addo and Joseph Laumann for salary advances and final payments were also noted.
Additionally, the report details transfers to John Paintsil and Abdul Fatawu Dauda. Later payments in September 2024 included more funds for Otto Addo and Joseph Laumann, as well as transfers to John Paintsil and Abdul Fatawu Dauda.
Major Cash Withdrawal and Diversion of Funds
One of the most substantial transactions flagged was a cash withdrawal of GH¢8,938,950 on December 22, 2024. This large sum was reportedly for Black Stars-related expenditure and was made in favour of Issah Mahama Amadu.
The Auditor-General’s report concludes that these payments breached appropriation controls. It asserts that resources earmarked for the African Games were diverted to activities outside the Games’ mandate and the approved purpose of the LOC accounts.
Implications and Accountability
The Auditor-General has directed the former Minister, Chief Director, and LOC Chairman to jointly refund the total GH¢15,093,666. These officials are deemed responsible for the financial management and oversight of the Games.
These findings add to the ongoing scrutiny of the financial administration of the 13th African Games. Previous sections of the audit revealed that Ghana spent over GH¢2.24 billion on the event, with outstanding liabilities exceeding GH¢208 million.
While the audit report did not establish criminal findings, it recommended administrative sanctions and recovery measures. The revelations are expected to fuel public discourse on accountability and the management of state resources for major international events.
What to Watch Next
The focus will now shift to the compliance of the directed officials with the refund order and potential further administrative actions. Public and parliamentary oversight bodies will likely scrutinize the implementation of the audit’s recommendations and the broader financial governance surrounding national sporting events.
Leave a Reply