African Games 2023: LOC to spend GHS 33.4 million a day on ‘operational expenses’

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 Okudjeto Ablakwa.

The LOC hopes to raise the money 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. 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 in 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.