In his address to parliament, the Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif, provided insights into Ghana’s financial outlay during AFCON 2023.
According to his statement, Ghana earmarked $8,506,450.00 for the tournament, with $5,071,840.36 disbursed by the Ministry of Finance. Of this sum, $3,070,067.81 was expended, primarily allocated to per diems, flights, medical provisions, equipment, logistical arrangements, and hospitality services. Notably, an unspent amount totaling US$2,001,772.55 was returned.
Additionally, the Sports Minister highlighted that MTN extended further financial support, offering an additional $400,000 to the Ghanaian team. He emphasized that this contribution significantly supplemented the government’s financial commitment. However, the exact utilization of these funds remains ambiguous, warranting further clarification on their specific allocation and impact.
The disclosed figures underscore the intricate financial logistics involved in staging a major sporting event such as Afcon 2023. Despite the allocated budget and subsequent disbursements, a significant portion of the earmarked funds remained unutilized, prompting scrutiny and evaluation regarding their management and allocation. The statement highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in handling public funds, particularly within the realm of sports administration.
Moreover, the disclosure sheds light on the collaborative efforts between the government and corporate entities, exemplified by MTN’s supplementary contribution. While such partnerships can enhance financial resources, ensuring transparency and accountability in their utilization is paramount to uphold public trust and fiscal responsibility. This underscores the need for robust oversight mechanisms and clear reporting standards within sports governance structures.
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Some Social Media Reaction to the Sports Minister’s Report: AFCON 2023
Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif, delivered a statement to parliament today on Ghana’s performance at Afcon 2023.
He confirmed the following:
1. Ghana budgeted $8,506,450.00 for the tournament
2. $5,071,840.36 was released by Ministry of Finance
3. They spent $3,070,067.81… pic.twitter.com/NXdG6Ni06S
— Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo (@Fentuo_) February 14, 2024
