Honourable Kobena Mensah Woyome, Member of Parliament for South Tongu, has raised concerns over the $4.5 million spent on the African Games management system and media accreditation, which were hosted in Ghana between February and March 2024. As a ranking member of the Youth, Sports, and Culture Committee in Parliament, Woyome has called for an investigation into the funds used during the multi-sport event.
This revelation comes amidst growing scrutiny over the expenditure for the African Games, with the Ministry of Youth and Sports already under fire after a dispute with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation regarding a $3.6 million payment for coverage of the event.
In a previous statement, Woyome also highlighted that $15 million was reportedly spent on feeding athletes throughout the 18-day tournament. Speaking to Joy FM, the MP expressed disbelief over the expenses, particularly the hefty sum allocated for the games management system and media accreditation, which failed to meet the usual continental standards.
“The cost of putting together the games management system and media accreditation…we spent $4.5 million, but what exactly did we get? Even journalists covering the event didn’t receive the proper accreditation tags,” Woyome explained. “I’ve written to ATOS for answers.”
Ghana successfully hosted thousands of athletes from across Africa, with fierce competition between countries like Nigeria, Egypt, Tunisia, and Ghana itself. However, the controversy surrounding the tournament’s finances has cast a shadow over the event’s success, prompting calls for transparency.
Earlier, Woyome also questioned the $15 million spent on meals for the athletes during the two-week championship in Accra. He stressed the need for accountability, especially in light of the conflicting reports on the tournament’s finances from various government bodies.
As pressure mounts, all eyes are now on the Ministry of Youth and Sports to clarify the spending and provide answers on how such massive sums were allocated during the African Games.
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