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By Joseph Agyei
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 13th African Games has responded to claims made by the Honorable Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, regarding the operational budget for the event. In a press release issued, the LOC clarified that the information shared by Hon. Ablakwa misrepresented the facts.
According to the LOC, the $48 million quoted in the leaked letter as the operational budget for the Games goes into recurrent expenditures and includes costs for medical and anti-doping, transportation, accommodation, catering, branding, games management system, team Ghana preparation, broadcasting, and equipment for 29 sporting disciplines. The committee stressed that hosting 54 African countries has significant cost implications in various areas.
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) also highlighted that the operational budget cannot be limited to the 18 days of the Games, as suggested by Hon. Ablakwa, and that a breakdown of the expenses will be provided post-event. The committee emphasized that hosting such a prestigious event for the first time in Ghana is a significant opportunity and requires substantial investment.
The Minister for Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, will continue to engage with the public and address Parliament on Ghana’s readiness for the African Games. Additionally, a meet-the-press session is scheduled for March 4th, 2024, to update Ghanaians on the preparations for the event.
The LOC reiterated its commitment to transparency and assured the public of its efforts to host one of the best-organized African Games on the continent.
