Former Minister for Youth and Sports and Member of Parliament for Yagaba/Kubori, Mustapha Ussif, has denied responsibility for alleged irregularities captured in the recently released audit report on the 13th African Games held in Accra in 2023.
In a press statement issued on May 26, 2026, the former minister said his attention had been drawn to the “Comprehensive Audit Report on the 13th African Games, Accra 2023,” which reportedly attributes several irregularities to him.
However, Mr. Ussif firmly rejected any suggestion of wrongdoing, insisting that he cannot be held responsible for any alleged infractions contained in the report.
“The said report, I understand, attributes various irregularities to me. I however deny being responsible for any such irregularities, if any at all,” portions of the statement read.
The former Sports Minister noted that he understands the audit report will be presented before Parliament, where individuals cited in the findings are expected to be invited to respond to issues raised.
According to him, he is prepared to avail himself of the opportunity to answer all allegations and claims of impropriety contained in the report.
“Therefore, I look forward to the opportunity to respond to all the claims of impropriety in the said report,” he stated.
The audit report into the organization and expenditure related to the 13th African Games has generated significant public interest, particularly amid concerns over the cost of hosting the continental sporting event and questions surrounding procurement processes, infrastructure expenditure, and financial accountability.
The 13th African Games, hosted in Accra in 2024 after earlier preparations in 2023, marked the first time Ghana hosted the multi-sport continental event.
The Games saw the construction and refurbishment of several sporting facilities, including the Borteyman Sports Complex and the renovation of the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.
Public debate over expenditure on the Games has intensified in recent months, with calls from sections of the public and civil society groups for transparency and accountability regarding the use of state resources for the event.
Mr. Ussif’s statement signals his intention to contest any findings that may implicate him when Parliament begins deliberations on the audit report.
By 1960news.com
