NDC Calls for Forensic Audit and Accountability in All African Games Expenditure

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has issued a press statement expressing deep concern and dissatisfaction with the ongoing All African Games in Ghana, criticizing the allocation and expenditure of funds by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government. They are calling for a forensic audit into the budget and expenditure for the preparation and organization of the games.

According to the NDC, despite the significant allocation of $195 million for pre-games preparations and an additional $48 million to the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for transportation, feeding, and logistics, the outcome of the games has been marred by embarrassing incidents and poor performance by Ghanaian athletes.

The party highlights instances such as South Africa's withdrawal from the men's and women's hockey teams due to the substandard nature of Ghana's hockey pitch, as well as Ghana's cycling champion withdrawing from competition due to a personal bicycle breakdown. They also mention the withdrawal of Ghana's swimming team from a relay final and general discontent among Ghanaian athletes due to inadequate preparations and lack of equipment.

In light of these issues, the NDC is calling for the resignation or dismissal of the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, citing "gross incompetence" in the organization of the games. They are also urging for the dissolution of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the ongoing All African Games.

The NDC's statement underscores their stance on what they perceive as mismanagement and wasteful spending of public funds, coupled with the failure to deliver satisfactory outcomes for the games. They demand accountability through a forensic audit and assert their commitment to addressing the challenges faced by Ghanaian athletes participating in the competition.