By Kwame Bediako
Kofi Adams, the designated Minister for Sports and Recreation, has called for a parliamentary investigation into the financial expenditures related to Ghana’s hosting of the 13th African Games. The event, which took place over a 15-day period, has come under scrutiny due to the staggering costs associated with it, totaling over $245 million. This figure includes $195 million dedicated to infrastructure, $15 million for athlete sustenance, and $48 million for operational expenses, all of which have been justified by the Local Organising Committee (LOC).
The Forum for Accountable Governance, alongside various other organizations, has voiced its concerns and formally petitioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to delve into the financial intricacies surrounding the games. This collective call for investigation highlights a growing demand for accountability in public spending, especially concerning events of national significance. The financial implications of hosting such a large-scale event have raised eyebrows and prompted questions about the management and allocation of funds.
Kofi Adams has assured the public that the 9th Parliament is committed to addressing these concerns. He recalled discussions held in the previous Parliament regarding the expenditures but noted that the report from the committee investigating sports issues could not be finalized before the 8th Parliament concluded its term. With the new parliamentary session underway, Adams expressed optimism that these matters would be revisited, either through retabling the previous report or referring the issues to the appropriate committee for further examination.
In his statements, Adams emphasized the importance of thorough processes in the investigation, assuring that no avenue for accountability would be overlooked. “We are not ruling out anything, but let’s go through the processes first, and then we’ll see what they look into and what will come out of the loop”; he stated.
As the parliamentary investigation unfolds, the eyes of the nation will be on the 9th Parliament to see how they handle the financial scrutiny of the Africa Games. The outcome of this inquiry could have significant implications for future sporting events in Ghana and the management of public funds, setting a precedent for accountability in the realm of sports and recreation.
