Former Sports Minister and Yagaba/Kubori MP, Mustapha Ussif, has rejected allegations contained in an Auditor-General’s report on the 13th African Games, Accra 2023, which recommended that he and other officials be held liable for the recovery of more than GHS 579 million linked to alleged financial irregularities.
The audit report, commissioned in 2025, reportedly identified several irregularities, including alleged cost inflation, unsupported payments, undelivered goods, and contractual breaches involving catering, transport, accommodation, procurement, and infrastructure projects related to the Games.
The report also recommended the recovery of additional amounts exceeding $44 million and €629,070 from persons connected to the organisation of the event.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 26, Mr. Ussif denied responsibility for any wrongdoing.
“My attention has been drawn to the release of an audit report, which report is titled: Comprehensive Audit Report on the 13th African Games, Accra 2023.
The said report, I understand attributes various irregularities to me. I however deny being responsible for any such irregularities, if any at all,” he stated.
He further explained that he expects Parliament to formally review the report, where affected individuals would be allowed to respond to the allegations raised.
“It is my understanding that the report of the audit will be presented to Parliament and persons who may have answers to findings will be invited to respond accordingly. Therefore, I look forward to the opportunity to respond to all the claims of impropriety in the said report,” he added.
According to the findings, major concerns were reportedly identified in engineering and construction works linked to facilities such as the Borteyman Sports Complex, the University of Ghana Stadium, and the Legon Sports Village project.
The Auditor-General has recommended that officials named in the report be held jointly responsible for recovering the flagged amounts as accountability processes continue.
