A forensic audit commissioned by President John Dramani Mahama in 2025 on the 2023 African Games hosted in Ghana has revealed widespread cost inflation, irregular payments, and unsupported expenditure across contracts linked to the event. The audit, conducted by a private firm, recommended recovery actions and sanctions against three officials: former Youth and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif, former National Sports Authority Director General William Kartey, and former Ministry of Finance official Kwaku Ofosu-Asare.
The report, released on May 26, 2026, identified over 100 million Ghanaian cedis in questionable payments, including inflated contracts for stadium renovations and athlete accommodations. Specific findings include payments to companies without proper documentation and cost overruns on the University of Ghana Sports Stadium upgrades.
President Mahama ordered the audit in early 2025 following public concerns about the cost of hosting the games, which were originally budgeted at $195 million but reportedly exceeded $250 million. The government has stated it will pursue legal action to recover funds and implement the audit's recommendations.
Mustapha Ussif, who served as Sports Minister under former President Nana Akufo-Addo, has denied any wrongdoing, stating that all contracts followed due process. William Kartey and Kwaku Ofosu-Asare have not yet publicly responded to the findings.
The audit also recommended strengthening procurement and financial controls for future major events hosted by Ghana. The government has pledged to reform the National Sports Authority and Ministry of Youth and Sports to prevent similar issues.
