The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 13th African Games, has budgeted to spend a whopping US$48 million (GHS602 million) on "operational expenses", 6 times Parliament's approved GHS100 million.
The figure works out to around a 6-day weekly expenditure of GHS200.6 million, and a daily operational expense of GHS 33.4 million for the 18-day competition.
The details of the LOC's spend are contained in a letter to the Chief Executive Officer of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST), signed by the LOC Chairman, Dr. Kwaku Ofosu Asare, seeking sponsorship to support the LOC's activities.
The letter was published on social media by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
The LOC hopes to raise the monies through corporate sponsorships.
In that regard, President Akufo-Addo, held meetings with CEOs of both State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and private businesses, to solicit for funds to support the project.
He held meetings with GOIL, GNPC, Ghana Gas, ENI Energy, McDan, Zoomlion and many others, and Hon. Ablakwa alleges that BOST has already paid US$500,000 to the LOC as part of their sponsorship.
This move is being criticized for its profligacy, and for targeting already struggling public and private companies, sparking ethical concerns and potential parliamentary actions.
Ghana won the rights in 2018 to host the multi-sport event, which was expected to take place in August 2023. But delay in completing facilities earmarked for the 29-sport event led to a postponement to 2024.
The country invested heavily in infrastructure for this purpose. They constructed the brand new Borteyman Sports Complex, completed the University of Ghana Stadium, and renovated accommodation facilities on campus to serve as the Games' Village.
US$195 million has been invested of facilities to host the games, according to Ofosu Asare.
The games will take place from March 8-23, 2024. An estimated 8,000 athletes, technical officials and medical personnel are expected to be in Ghana during that period.
The LOC intends to procure 332 vehicles to serve transportation needs, with 55 buses, 29 Land Cruisers, 106 Saloon Cars, 26 minibuses, 78 Wagons, 30 Ayalolo buses, 5 trucks and 3 Prados.
Latest Stories
-
Scottish Premiership: Mathew Anim Cudjoe and Dundee United secure promotion after Championship win
1 hour -
Leicester City trigger buy option for Fatawu Issahaku
2 hours -
We will ensure recent poor run of results is reversed – Hearts of Oak management to fans
2 hours -
GRA terminates 2 SML contracts, suspends upstream and minerals audit deal
2 hours -
Sister Derby joins Medikal on stage at 02 concert
2 hours -
Medikal’s 02 Concert: Shatta Wale, Sarkodie bring fireworks on stage
2 hours -
Livestream: Newsfile discusses Cecilia Dapaah’s case, vote-buying allegations in Ejisu
2 hours -
NACOC embarks on a search at Nsawam Prison
3 hours -
Ban on noise-making commences May 6
3 hours -
Foden wins Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award
3 hours -
FDA discovers expired food items at Zuarungu SHS storeroom
4 hours -
Bahamas World Relays: Ghana paired with world and Olympic champions in Heat 1
11 hours -
Bahamas 2024 Relays: Star-studded cast ready to put on pre-Paris show
12 hours -
Bahamas Relays preview: clash of global title-winning teams in men’s 4x100m
12 hours -
Arsenal keeper Raya wins Premier League Golden Glove
12 hours