Former Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has rejected allegations linking him to procurement and financial irregularities cited in the recently released audit report on Ghana’s hosting of the 13th African Games.
In a statement issued after public debate intensified around the report, Ussif said his attention had been drawn to the Comprehensive Audit Report on 13th African Games, Accra 2023, which reportedly mentioned him in connection with contract administration and procurement breaches.
“The report, I understand, attributes various irregularities to me. I, however, deny being responsible for any such irregularities, if any at all,” he stated.
The audit recommended sanctions and recovery measures against several former officials, including Ussif, former Chief Director William Kartey, and former Local Organising Committee Chairman Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare.
Ussif emphasized that the report is expected to be presented before Parliament, where those named will have the opportunity to respond. “It’s my understanding that the report will be presented to Parliament and persons who may have answers to findings will be invited to answer accordingly,” he noted.
He stressed that the parliamentary process would provide the appropriate platform for accountability and clarification, adding: “Therefore, I look forward to the opportunity to respond to all the claims of impropriety in the said report.”
His remarks mark the first public response from any of the officials named, amid growing public concern over governance standards, procurement compliance, and financial accountability in the management of the continental sporting event.
The audit outlines alleged irregularities including inflated contract costs, unexplained expenditures, and weak administrative systems, while recommending sanctions under procurement regulations and recovery of substantial public funds.
