Mustapha Ussif denies wrongdoing in GH₵580m African Games audit report

Mustapha Ussif, former Minister of Youth and Sports, has denied any wrongdoing in relation to the 13th African Games held in Accra in 2023. In a press statement dated May 26, Mr. Ussif said he had taken notice of the release of the audit report into the Games and rejected claims linking him to any alleged irregularities, stating "I however deny being responsible for any such irregularities, if any at all." The audit report is titled, Comprehensive Audit Report on the 13th African Games, Accra 2023.

The report cited Mr. Ussif, former Chief Director William Kartey, and former Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chairman Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare for possible sanctions and recovery actions under Section 92 of the Public Procurement Act. The forensic audit, commissioned by President Mahama last year, revealed widespread cost inflation, irregular payments, and unsupported expenditure across contracts. The Auditor-General recommended the recovery of GH₵579 million from these three former officials. The report stated that a total of GH₵2.245 billion was spent on the Games, while liabilities exceeding GH₵208 million remained outstanding at the time of the audit. The Games were financed through a US$170 million loan approved by Parliament, in addition to infrastructure contracts worth more than US$145 million.

Mr. Ussif expects to be given the opportunity to respond to the issues raised in the report when it is presented before Parliament. He stated, "Therefore, I look forward to the opportunity to respond to all the claims of impropriety in the said report." The 700-page audit report was submitted to Parliament on February 26, 2026.