‘We were just careless’ – Kofi Adams on African Games expenditure
Sports and recreation minister, Kofi Adams has admitted that Ghana’s handling of the 2023 African Games was characterised by “carelessness” and a failure to properly consider value for money.
Ghana's Sports Minister Kofi Adams has expressed remorse over the handling of the 2023 African Games, describing the event as "characterised by 'carelessness'" and a lack of consideration for value for money. During testimony before Parliament's Public Accounts Committee, Adams admitted that it was challenging for him to review the figures related to the Games.
He emphasized that such experiences should serve as lessons for all those involved in public fund management. Adams was particularly critical of the approach to spending during the Games, stating that the abundance of funds led to expenditure without adequate assessment of value. He argued that the Borteyman Sports Complex, which received $146 million in public funds, was an example of this careless approach.
The Sports Minister highlighted the contrast between Borteyman and the University of Ghana, where the same funds could have been utilized more effectively. Adams' remarks come as the Public Accounts Committee investigates the expenditure and financial management issues linked to the 2023 African Games, which were hosted in Accra from March 8 to 23.
The Games saw significant investments in sporting infrastructure and logistics, including facilities at Borteyman and the University of Ghana. Adams stressed that the experience should encourage a more cautious approach to the use of public resources in future sporting events, and underscore the importance of placing greater emphasis on value for money when committing public funds to sports infrastructure and major competitions.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
