By Nana Kwame Bediako
In a recent exposé, intercepted documents have revealed that over GHC85 million of funds were allocated to companies with close ties to the government for the renovation of three national sports stadiums.
Despite this significant expenditure, Ghana’s stadium has been banned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) from hosting international competitions. The revelations have sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability at the highest levels of government.
Member of Parliament for the North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has been at the forefront of bringing these issues to light. According to Ablakwa, the funds were released to companies linked to relatives of President Akufo-Addo. He has called for the impeachment of President Akufo-Addo and the removal of leaders at the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Authority.
“Painstaking parliamentary oversight has led me to the firm conclusion that if Ghana had obtained value for money in these contracts, we would have avoided this unprecedented monumental international disgrace,” he stated.
The intercepted documents reveal detailed transactions involving three major stadia. The Essipong Stadium in Sekondi received GHS41.9 million for rehabilitation, awarded to Cisdan Company Limited, owned by Kelvin Ofori-Atta, a relative of the President. Interim payments were promptly made, but the stadium still faces prohibition by CAF. Similarly, the Accra Sports Stadium renovation, costing GHS22.4 million, was awarded to Coupbay Ghana Limited, also owned by Kelvin Ofori-Atta. Despite multiple payments, the stadium remains in poor condition.
Further scrutiny reveals that the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi was allocated GHS21.1 million for renovations, awarded to Javkier Limited. Despite notifications and payments, the stadium appears to have gone without significant improvements for decades. Ablakwa pointed out that this situation is far worse than mere incompetence, describing it as a “corrupt create, loot and share scheme” where taxpayer funds were misappropriated for personal gain.
The scandal has not only tarnished the image of Ghana’s sports infrastructure but also highlighted deep-seated issues of corruption and nepotism within the government. Ablakwa’s revelations have intensified calls for accountability and reform.