Three concerned Ghanaians are seeking an investigation into the reported US$2.7 million allocated for the construction of a 40-bed hotel facility for the Black Stars at Prampram.

Sports journalists Listowel Mensah and Evans Kwabena Sarpong, together with youth activist Albert Owusu Buadu, have petitioned the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate the Ghana Football Association (GFA) over approximately US$2.7 million reportedly allocated by the Government of Ghana for the construction of a 40-bed hostel facility for the senior national football team, the Black Stars.

The petition calls for an independent and comprehensive investigation into the receipt, custody, expenditure and utilisation of the funds, as well as the current status of the proposed project.

According to the petitioners, the investigation is necessary to establish the exact amount transferred or made available to the GFA, the accounts into which the funds were paid, and how the money has been utilised since the allocation.

They have also urged EOCO to determine whether the funds remain intact, were transferred to other accounts, invested, or used for purposes other than those for which they were intended.

Questions Raised Over Project Progress

A key concern highlighted in the petition is the reported lack of significant progress on the proposed 40-bed accommodation facility, despite the public announcement of the project and a groundbreaking ceremony in 2024.

The petitioners want investigators to establish why the project has reportedly not progressed to the point where the foundation or blockwork has commenced.

They have further called for scrutiny of the procurement process, including the selection of contractors, consultants, suppliers and other service providers involved in the project.

The petition also asks EOCO to examine contracts awarded, payments made, mobilisation fees released, advance payments issued and any transactions involving the project funds and private accounts or businesses connected to GFA officials, their associates or related parties.

The petitioners stressed that these questions require an independent investigation to establish the facts and determine whether the funds have been managed in accordance with applicable financial, procurement and public-accountability requirements.

EOCO Urged to Examine Financial Records

As part of their request, the three petitioners have urged EOCO, where appropriate, to examine bank statements, transaction records, payment vouchers, financial records, procurement and tender documents, contracts, invoices, receipts and certificates of work.

They have also called for a review of board and management approvals relating to the project, any investments or transfers involving the funds, the current financial balance of the project account and the actual value of work undertaken at the site.

The petitioners say that if the investigation establishes that any portion of the funds was misappropriated, unlawfully transferred, improperly invested or used for personal or private benefit, the appropriate legal action should be taken in accordance with Ghanaian law.

However, they emphasised that the petition is not intended to prejudge the outcome of any investigation or accuse any individual of wrongdoing before the facts have been established.

Public Funds and Football Infrastructure

The petitioners argue that the matter is in the public interest because the funds are reportedly linked to Ghana’s participation in the FIFA World Cup and were intended to support Ghanaian football and the national teams.

They also noted that the proposed hostel facility had been presented publicly as an important addition to the country’s football infrastructure.

They maintain that an independent investigation would help establish where the money is, how it has been used and why the intended project has reportedly not materialised as expected.

The petitioners have therefore appealed to EOCO to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves and undertake the necessary investigations to promote transparency, accountability and the protection of public funds.

They have also indicated their readiness to provide further information, documents, photographs, video evidence and any other material that could assist investigators.

The petition marks a call by the three concerned Ghanaians for greater accountability in the management of funds allocated to football infrastructure and for clarity on the status of a project intended to benefit the Black Stars.

As of the information contained in the petition, the allegations and questions raised remain matters for investigation. No finding of financial wrongdoing against the GFA or any individual is established by the filing of the petition alone.

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