Audit uncovers GH¢580m in African Games irregularities
A forensic audit into Ghana’s hosting of the 2023 African Games has uncovered what investigators describe as widespread financial irregularities involving more than GH¢580 million in inflated contract sums, unsupported payments and questionable procurement practices.
The 700 page report, commissioned by President John Dramani Mahama in 2025 and completed by the Auditor General, found that a total of GH¢580,042,347.40 could not be properly justified due to overpricing, procurement breaches, unverified work and irregular payments linked to the Games.
The audit examined how more than GH¢2.24 billion allocated for the continental sporting event was spent across infrastructure, logistics, broadcasting, accommodation and operational activities.
Among the major findings were inflated contract prices for infrastructure projects, payments made without supporting documentation and contracts awarded outside Ghana’s procurement laws.
Auditors also flagged cases where contractors were paid for equipment and services that could not be verified physically or through official records.
The report further revealed that some contracts were awarded to entities that allegedly lacked the technical capacity or qualifications to execute the projects, while procurement procedures were repeatedly bypassed under emergency justifications.
Despite the scale of expenditure, the audit said the Games still ended with outstanding liabilities exceeding GH¢208 million, including foreign currency debts of more than US$4.1 million and €288,775.
The Auditor General warned that the irregularities exposed Ghana to significant financial loss and reflected weak oversight and poor contract management throughout the organisation of the Games.
Three former officials, former Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif, former Chief Director of the Ministry William Kartey and former Local Organising Committee Chairman Dr Kwaku Ofosu Asare, were repeatedly cited in the report for possible recovery actions and sanctions.
The report has since been submitted to Parliament for further action.
The findings are expected to intensify public scrutiny over the cost of hosting the Games, which was initially promoted as a major investment in Ghana’s sporting infrastructure and international image.
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