African Games: Congratulate sportsmen instead of seeking accountability – Sports Minister to Minority

Amid growing demands for accountability from the Minority in Parliament regarding the 2023 African Games, Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif has expressed his displeasure, emphasising the importance of celebrating the athletes who represented Ghana at the event.

Ghana successfully hosted the 13th edition of the quadrennial event, which concluded on a high note despite initial challenges. The country achieved its most significant medal haul in the 59-year history of the competition, amassing a total of 69 medals.

However, concerns about the financial expenditure on organising the event were raised even before the games began and have intensified, particularly among the Minority in Parliament.

These concerns prompted the Sports Minister to appear before Parliament on Tuesday, June 25, to report on the aftermath of the games. His report, however, did not include the financial accounts of the competition.

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Ussif explained that the expenditure details were omitted from his report because a separate question had been filed, requiring him to appear before the house to account for the finances.

He assured Ghanaians that his office would account for every amount spent during the 2023 African Games but expressed dissatisfaction with the focus shifting away from Team Ghana’s impressive performances.

“We are not hiding anything. I want that clarity to be made. Every cedi is going to be accounted for. Be rest assured,” Ussif stated.

“Rather, you should congratulate Team Ghana because, so far, we have not seen the Minority issue any statement in congratulating the sportsmen and women who fought very hard in lifting the flag of the country very high.”