Former Minister for Youth and Sports Mustapha Ussif has denied any wrongdoing following the release of a forensic audit report into the 13th African Games held in Accra.

He has insisted that he should not be held responsible for the financial irregularities cited in the document.

The 700-page report by the Ghana Audit Service reportedly uncovered several financial discrepancies linked to the organisation and hosting of the continental sporting event, triggering widespread public debate over accountability and expenditure related to the Games.

According to the findings, Mustapha Ussif, former Chief Director William Kartey, and Local Organising Committee Chairman Dr Kwaku Ofosu-Asare were cited in connection with alleged irregularities amounting to GH¢580,042,347.40.

The Auditor-General is also said to have recommended that the former minister be held jointly liable for the recovery of GH¢579,114,352.24, alongside $44,354,881.77 and €629,070.

In a statement responding to the allegations, Ussif rejected any suggestion of misconduct and maintained that he was not responsible for the issues raised in the audit report.

“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 stated.

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

The former minister further indicated that he expects the opportunity to formally respond to the allegations when Parliament considers the report.

“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.

African Games audit exposes over $40m in avoidable and questionable spending

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

The audit findings have intensified scrutiny over procurement processes, contract awards, infrastructure spending, and operational management tied to the 13th African Games hosted in Accra.

PAH/EB

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