The volunteers for the 2023 African Games, on Tuesday, March 26, clashed with security personnel over unfulfilled promises made to them at the end of the competition.

The Games, which was staged in Accra, Ghana, saw over 1000 people make themselves available for volunteering services to see to the successful organisation of the competition.

While there was an understanding that it was not going to be a paid job, some volunteers revealed there was a gentleman's agreement to hand them a 'Thank you' package at the end of the games.

However, following the end of the three-week event, the volunteers have been asked to evacuate their place of residence with no provisions made for them regarding their promised package.

This move left them frustrated as it led to a standoff between them and members of the Ghana Police Service.

#AfricanGames2023 volunteers clash with police at Legon after disagreement over stipends#JoySports pic.twitter.com/mtQecnfcfs

— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) March 26, 2024

A volunteer, speaking exclusively to Joy Sports said, "During the orientation programme, the deputy volunteer manager, one Mr Nelson, and madam Yobo herself, made mention that it was a volunteering job and that there was no payment at stake but they were going to do something for all volunteers.

"Fast forward to when the programme was over, we had a meeting and at that meeting, they stated categorically they were going to give people some payments which was going to be handsome enough for them to be able to go back where they come from.

"So people were surprised that the following day, they never gave them breakfast, never gave them lunch and even in the nick of time they asked them to pack out of their rooms. What is more worrying is that they never gave them a stipend to feed or to even go back home."

He also added they got a communication later on Tuesday they were going to receive GH¢200.00 for transport which he felt "it was better they don't give" as they can't tell the exact location of some of the volunteers.

He also alleged the Local Organising Committee (LOC) made some payments to some of the foreign volunteers who contributed to the success of the games.

"What is even more shocking is that they said they were not going to pay but they have money to pay our foreign brothers and sisters who participated in the competition. Is that not hypocritical that we do the same work under the same conditions?" he quizzed.

There has been no response from the LOC or the Ministry of Youth and Sports yet with some volunteers still keen on demanding what they are due.

Joy Sports' attempts to get the LOC to react have proved unsuccessful at the moment.