The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the Accra 2023 African Games, Dr Kwaku Ofosu Asare, has disclosed that the Ghana Police Service was unable to justify a GH₵35.8 million bill it submitted for its role during the Games.

Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee on Monday, May 18, he told lawmakers that the police initially supported the Games as part of routine security arrangements and were even catered for during the early stages of the event.

“Initially, they were just to assist in providing security, and we were even feeding them. Then they later pulled out. Out of nowhere, they brought us this bill (of GH₵35.8 million),” he said.

Dr Ofosu Asare added that he formally requested a breakdown of the charges after receiving the invoice, but said no satisfactory explanation was provided.

“So I wrote to them and asked them to justify it. And they could not justify it. I was shocked to the marrow with the kind of bill they brought, and I said please break it down to provide justification to support what you are claiming,” he told the committee.

He explained that police deployment was expected to cover roughly three weeks, from the start of the Games on March 8 to their conclusion on March 23, 2024. However, he indicated that the service reportedly withdrew before the event ended.

Despite the lack of justification, the LOC chair confirmed that the full amount was eventually paid to the Ghana Police Service.

The development adds to ongoing scrutiny of the cost and management of the Games, which has already faced public criticism. Following the event, former Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif came under heavy pressure over expenditure concerns.

President John Dramani Mahama has since ordered a forensic audit into the organisation and finances of the African Games.