President Mahama Orders Forensic Audit into Ghana’s Hosting of 13th African Games
President John Mahama has directed the Auditor-General to undertake a comprehensive forensic audit into Ghana’s hosting of the 13th African Games, held in Accra in March 2024.
The directive, announced in a statement from the Presidency on Tuesday, November 4, follows a report submitted by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).
The statement emphasized that the move reflects the government’s commitment to “accountability, transparency, and the prudent use of public funds.”
According to the directive, the audit will thoroughly examine all financial and operational aspects related to the organization of the Games — including procurement, infrastructure development, expenditure management, and post-event operations.
The audit will specifically focus on:
-
Procurement and Contracting Processes: Reviewing tender procedures, contractor and supplier selection, and adherence to the Public Procurement Act (Act 663) and its amendments.
-
Financial Management and Expenditure Control: Assessing funding sources, disbursements, sponsorship agreements, and overall expenditure tracking.
-
Infrastructure and Project Delivery: Evaluating project timelines, cost variations, and value-for-money outcomes on facilities built or renovated for the Games.
President Mahama also instructed the Auditor-General to examine the coordination and performance of all government agencies and committees involved in the Games’ planning and execution.
The audit report is expected to be presented to the President by the second week of December 2025.
The 13th African Games, hosted in Accra from March 8 to 23, 2024, attracted scrutiny over the scale of government spending. Reports indicate that over $195 million was expended on infrastructure, with an additional $46 million required for operational costs.
The forthcoming audit is anticipated to provide clarity on the management of resources and ensure lessons are learned for future large-scale sporting events.
