Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ghanaian Times
Published on 2024-03-27 07:00:37
The Minority in Parliament has raised concerns about the budget and expenditure of the recently concluded 13th African Games, Accra 2023, calling for a bipartisan probe into the matter. They argue that there is a discrepancy between the approved budget and the actual expenditure for Team Ghana at the Games.
During a press conference in Accra, the Ranking Member on the Youth, Sports, and Culture Committee, and MP for South Tongu, Kobena Mensah Woyome, revealed that the 2024 budget included an allocation of GH₵150 million for the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and an additional US$48 million, totaling GH₵750 million for the operation of the LOC, as well as US$195 million for infrastructure for the games. However, the actual spending amounted to a staggering US$240 million, which according to the Caucus, did not match the output of the event.
Mr. Woyome criticized the poor organization and management of the games, highlighting the lack of clear policies for tourism, promotion, and trade facilitation that could have provided economic value for the significant expenditure. He also pointed out instances of neglect towards some athletes, leading to inappropriate outfits worn during events, transportation issues, lack of adequate support for cyclists, and logistics challenges.
While Ghana achieved its best-ever medal haul at the African Games with 68 medals, Mr. Woyome emphasized that the majority of these medals came from the arm wrestling competition, a discipline featuring in the Games for the first time and with limited participation from other countries. He expressed disappointment in the preparation and performance of athletes in other events such as football, boxing, and weightlifting, despite the substantial funding allocated for the Games.
Moreover, he highlighted the failure of any Ghanaian athlete to qualify for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, attributing this to inadequate preparation and support given to the athletes. Mr. Woyome described the overall outcome of the Games as a monumental disaster and a source of embarrassment for Ghana, holding the government accountable for the shortcomings.
In conclusion, Mr. Woyome asserted that the government has failed Ghanaians in terms of the organization, management, and performance of Team Ghana at the African Games. A thorough investigation into the budget and expenditure of the event is necessary to address the discrepancies and ensure accountability.
Overall, the Minority in Parliament’s call for a bi-partisan probe sheds light on the need for transparency and efficiency in the allocation and spending of public funds for sporting events, emphasizing the importance of achieving tangible results and value for money in such endeavors.
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