The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 13th African Games has issued a press release dismissing North Tongu Member of Parliament Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa's analysis of the committee's spending as erroneous and a misrepresentation of facts.
The press release, signed by Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, the Executive Chairman of LOC, clarified that the operational budget of the committee extends beyond the 18 days of the Games. Ablakwa had alleged that a sum of USD$48 million would be spent within the period spanning 8th-23rd March, a claim the committee vehemently refuted as disingenuous.
The committee emphasized that the $48 million quoted in the leaked letter by Ablakwa constitutes recurrent expenditure, and a detailed breakdown would be provided after the conclusion of the Games. The LOC highlighted the substantial costs associated with hosting 54 African countries, encompassing areas such as Medical and Anti-doping, Transport, Accommodation, Catering, Branding, Games Management System, Team Ghana preparation, Broadcasting, and Equipment for 29 sporting disciplines.
This marks the first time Ghana is hosting the African Games since its establishment in 1965, and the LOC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, emphasized its commitment to transparency. The Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, is set to address Parliament on Ghana's readiness for the African Games, and a meet-the-press session is scheduled for March 4, 2024, to update the public on the ongoing preparations.
The committee expressed confidence in hosting one of the best-organized Games on the continent and assured the public of continued transparency in its dealings.
