2023 African Gmes: Auditor-General recommends recovery of over GHC579 million from Mustapha Ussif and other officials
A forensic audit into Ghana’s organisation of the 13th African Games has recommended the recovery of more than GHC579 million from three former officials who played leading roles in the hosting of the continental event.
The audit, commissioned by President John Mahama last year, uncovered what investigators described as widespread financial irregularities, inflated contract values and unsupported payments across several operational areas linked to the Games.
Although the Auditor-General stopped short of making criminal findings, the report advised that former Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif, former Chief Director William Kartey and former Local Organising Committee chairman Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare should refund substantial amounts to the state.
The audit also mentioned Amin Alhassan in connection with a broadcasting training contract flagged during the investigation.
According to the report, auditors recommended the recovery of approximately GHC579,114,352.24 in addition to $44,354,881.77 and €629,070. The figures were linked to alleged overpricing, unjustified disbursements, undelivered items and major discrepancies in contract execution.
The findings covered multiple sectors of the Games’ organisation, including accommodation, transport, catering services, procurement of equipment, branding, infrastructure development and administrative expenditure.
Auditors described the pattern of spending as evidence of systemic cost inflation during Ghana’s hosting of the multi-sport competition.
Across several of the transactions highlighted in the report, the same three former officials, Mustapha Ussif, William Kartey and Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare were repeatedly cited in recommendations for financial recovery.
Their names reportedly appeared in matters involving logistics, sponsorship arrangements, vehicle rentals, infrastructure projects and equipment procurement linked to the event.
The revelations are expected to intensify public scrutiny over the management of funds allocated for the African Games and could trigger further administrative or legal action in the coming weeks.
