In the wake of multiple financial controversies surrounding Ghana’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, calls for an investigation into former Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif have intensified. Allegations of mismanagement, misuse of public funds, and discrepancies in financial transactions during his tenure raise serious concerns that must be addressed through a thorough probe.
A recent investigative report by The Fourth Estate implicated Mustapha Ussif in a payroll fraud scandal within the National Service Scheme (NSS). The report alleged the presence of ghost names on the payroll, with substantial funds being funnelled to non-existent personnel. While Ussif has denied these allegations, the gravity of such claims necessitates a full-scale investigation to determine the extent of financial malpractice.
The 2023 African Games, hosted in Ghana, saw an estimated $240 million allocated for its organisation. Despite this hefty investment, many sporting facilities remained substandard, and logistical issues plagued the event. The lack of transparency in the spending of these funds has led to speculation about financial mismanagement and potential misappropriation. A comprehensive audit is needed to account for every cedi spent in the organisation of the Games.
In a shocking revelation, the Ministry of Sports claimed to have disbursed over $3 million to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) for coverage of the 13th African Games. However, GBC’s Director-General, Prof. Amin Alhassan, countered this claim, stating that only $105,000 was received. This significant discrepancy raises questions about the whereabouts of the remaining funds and highlights the need for an independent inquiry into the ministry’s financial dealings under Ussif’s leadership.
During Ghana’s participation in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the Sports Ministry declared that it spent $5.1 million, a figure lower than the budgeted $8.1 million. While the ministry claimed to have saved $3 million, there has been no clear breakdown of how the $5.1 million was spent. Given previous concerns about the misuse of World Cup funds in Ghanaian football, an investigation into this expenditure is crucial.
Despite significant funds allocated to the ministry, several national teams, including the Ghana Amputee Football team, have publicly decried the lack of financial support. This situation raises suspicions about whether funds meant for athlete development were diverted or mismanaged. The outcry of athletes and sports federations suggests deeper systemic issues that require scrutiny.
The Sports Ministry plays a vital role in Ghana’s national development and international reputation. Any allegations of financial misconduct must be thoroughly investigated to ensure accountability and restore public trust. If Mustapha Ussif is found culpable of financial mismanagement, appropriate legal actions must follow to serve as a deterrent for future officeholders.
Ghana’s sports sector deserves leaders committed to transparency, efficiency, and integrity. A formal investigation into Mustapha Ussif’s tenure is a necessary step toward achieving that goal.