Accra 2023 African Games: Police Service could not justify GH₵35.8m bill — Ofosu Asare [VIDEO]

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

Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee on Monday, May 18, Dr Ofosu Asare said the Police were initially engaged to provide security support and were even catered for during the early stages of the Games.

However, he noted that the security personnel later withdrew before the end of the competition.

According to him, the unexpected invoice was later presented without a clear breakdown of services rendered.

"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 35.8 million)," he said.

"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."

“How was GH₵35.8 million paid to service police officers during the 2023 African Games without documentation?”



The Public Accounts Committee has questions the Local Organising Committee over the expenditure during proceedings into the organization of the Games.#GTVSports pic.twitter.com/dEHIW0onBM

— GTVSports+ (@mygtvsports) May 18, 2026

Dr Ofosu Asare indicated that the Police services were expected to cover roughly three weeks, as the Games ran from March 8 to March 23, 2024, but maintained that their withdrawal came before the end of the event.

Despite the unresolved questions over the breakdown, he confirmed that the full amount was eventually paid to the Ghana Police Service.

The revelations add to ongoing scrutiny of expenditure linked to the Games, which came under criticism following their conclusion.

Former Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif faced backlash over the cost and organisation of the event, while President John Dramani Mahama has since ordered a forensic audit into its hosting.