Ablakwa seeks answers on GHS168m withdrawn Post-African Games
North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has alleged that the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government continues to withdraw substantial sums of money from the national coffers under the pretext of expenses related to the 13th African Games, despite the games concluding in Accra on March 23, 2024.
Isaac Mintah 
North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has alleged that the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government continues to withdraw substantial sums of money from the national coffers under the pretext of expenses related to the 13th African Games, despite the games concluding in Accra on March 23, 2024.
In a detailed Facebook post, Mr. Ablakwa claimed that a staggering GHS168,386,331.00 has been withdrawn in recent weeks, long after the games had ended. He outlined the specific transactions as follows:
- May 17th, 2024 — GHS70,000,000.00 was released to the Sports Ministry under the description: Payment for 13th African Games.
- July 3rd, 2024 — GHS30,000,000.00 was released to the Sports Ministry under the same description.
- July 16th, 2024 — GHS30,000,000.00 was again released under the same description.
- July 16th, 2024 — An additional GHS38,386,331.00 was released to the Sports Ministry under the same description.
Mr. Ablakwa expressed concern over these "bizarre releases," highlighting that they continue despite the Finance Ministry having already disbursed over GHS460 million before the games' closing ceremony—an amount far exceeding what Parliament had approved.
The MP called on the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government to provide a clear explanation to the public regarding these post-tournament withdrawals, questioning what these large sums are being used for and when the ongoing payments will cease.
“This haemorrhage cannot continue when many sectors are being starved of resources as economic conditions of Ghanaians deteriorate uncontrollably. Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif keeps running from parliamentary accountability but let him know that his days are numbered,” Ablakwa stated, signaling a continued push for answers and transparency from the government.
The allegations, if substantiated, could heighten scrutiny on the government's financial management and the transparency of its expenditures, particularly in the context of the 13th African Games.
