Mustapha Ussif, former Minister of Sports, has strongly denied allegations of financial wrongdoing following a forensic audit report on the 13th African Games, insisting he bears no responsibility for any of the irregularities cited.

He firmly rejected the allegations, stating that he does not accept responsibility for any of the irregularities identified in the audit.

“My attention has been drawn to the release of an audit report, which report is titled; Comprehensive Audit Report on the 13th African Games, Accra 2023,” he said in a statement.

“The said report, I understand attributes various irregularities to me. I however deny being responsible for any such irregularities, if any at all.”

He further indicated that he expects the opportunity to formally respond to the findings when the report is presented to Parliament, suggesting that due process will allow individuals named in the document to defend themselves.

“It is my understanding that the report of the audit will be presented to Parliament and persons who may have answers to findings will be invited to respond accordingly,” he added.

“Therefore, I look forward to the opportunity to respond to all the claims of impropriety in the said report.”

This comes after a forensic audit commissioned by President John Dramani Mahama into Ghana’s hosting of the 13th African Games uncovered widespread financial irregularities, inflated contracts, unsupported payments, and breaches of procurement laws involving hundreds of millions of cedis.

The 700-page report, prepared by the Auditor-General and submitted to Parliament, found that the 2023 African Games project was plagued by systemic procurement failures, questionable contract awards, and weak financial controls. Auditors identified irregularities amounting to GH¢580 million, alongside outstanding liabilities exceeding GH¢208 million.

The special audit, referenced AG.SAR/2026/03 and signed by Auditor-General Johnson Akuamoah-Asiedu, was conducted under Section 16 of the Audit Service Act following a request from the Office of the President dated October 22, 2025. It examined all aspects of the Games, including procurement, infrastructure delivery, broadcasting, accommodation, transportation, and post-event asset management.

According to the report, a total of GH¢2.24 billion was mobilised and spent from government releases, sponsorships, and participation fees. However, auditors said several payments lacked supporting documentation or verification of services rendered.

Three former officials — former Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif, former Chief Director William Kartey, and former Local Organising Committee Chairman Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare — were repeatedly cited in recommendations for sanctions and recovery actions.

Among the key findings was an overpayment tied to a sports equipment contract awarded to Delovely Company Ltd. Although the Ministry paid GH¢38.9 million under the deal, equipment worth $206,000 was never delivered, while an additional $408,000 charge lacked specifications or supporting records. Auditors concluded that the contract had been overstated by approximately GH¢4.5 million.

Accommodation contracts also came under scrutiny. JDK Travel and Tours was paid $1.58 million to provide accommodation services despite auditors finding the company lacked the required licensing and operated only as an intermediary.

Market checks showed hotel rates charged under the contract were significantly above prevailing prices, resulting in an estimated inflation of GH¢10.1 million.

The same company was further accused of inflating transportation and branding contracts by more than GH¢17 million through excessive pricing and unsupported billing.

In another major finding, auditors revealed that 14 lump-sum service contracts worth GH¢336.6 million — covering accommodation, catering, transport, anti-doping services, and air travel — were paid without adequate records to confirm the actual services delivered. Essential supporting documents such as passenger manifests, transport logs, meal registers,