General News of Friday, 23 August 2024

Source: classfmonline.com

Ablakwa seeks answers on GH¢168 million withdrawn post African games

Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has alleged that the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government continues to withdraw huge sums of money from the national coffers in the name of the 13th African Games despite the games ending in Accra as far back as March 23, 2024.

Ablakwa claims that so far, a staggering GH¢168,386,331.00 has been withdrawn in the last few weeks, long after the games.

On May 17, 2024 — GH¢70,000,000.00 was released to the Sports Ministry under a transaction description: Payment for 13th African Games;

On July 3, 2024 — GH¢30,000,000.00 was released to the Sports Ministry under a transaction description: Payment for 13th African Games;

On July 16, 2024 — GH¢30,000,000.00 was released to the Sports Ministry under a transaction description: Payment for 13th African Games;

On July 16, 2024 — An additional same-day release of GH¢38,386,331.00 to the Sports Ministry under the transaction description: Payment for 13th African Games.

Mr. Ablakwa stated that these bizarre releases continue despite the Finance Ministry already releasing over GH¢460million before the closing ceremony — which is an amount far in excess of what Parliament approved.

He called on the government to explain to Ghanaians what these humongous post-tournament releases are being used for and exactly when the unending payments will stop.

“This haemorrhage cannot continue when many sectors are being starved of resources as the economic conditions of Ghanaians deteriorate uncontrollably. Sports minister Mustapha Ussif keeps running from parliamentary accountability but let him know that his days are numbered,” he added.