President Mahama Orders Forensic Probe into Ghana’s Hosting of the 13th African Games Following NIB Report
President John Dramani Mahama has ordered an immediate forensic investigation into Ghana’s hosting of the 13th African Games, following a confidential report submitted by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) that raised serious concerns over procurement, contract awards, and expenditure discrepancies.
According to a directive issued from the Office of the President, the Auditor-General has been tasked to commence a comprehensive audit covering every aspect of the Games’ organization, including infrastructure projects, operational costs, and financial disbursements, to ensure transparency and accountability in how public funds were utilized.
The probe follows Ghana’s successful hosting of the continental multi-sport event earlier this year, which was hailed as a historic achievement but also drew scrutiny over its budget size and project timelines. The total expenditure for the Games has been pegged at US$245 million, with a detailed breakdown showing US$195 million allocated to infrastructure, US$48 million to operational and hosting costs, US$15 million to athlete support and feeding, and US$16.07 million for upgrades to the Games Village hostel facilities.
The President’s directive emphasizes a zero-tolerance stance toward potential financial irregularities, instructing the Auditor-General to identify instances of overpricing, non-performance, or irregular contracting, and to make recommendations for prosecution where necessary.
A senior official at the Presidency, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the decision was triggered by “preliminary intelligence suggesting possible procurement breaches and inflated project costs” in several infrastructure components, including Borteyman Sports Complex, Legon Stadium renovations, and the Games Village.
The National Intelligence Bureau is reported to have highlighted inconsistencies between initial project budgets and final contract values, particularly in the construction of auxiliary facilities such as training centers and accommodation units. Some contracts were allegedly awarded through restricted tendering under emergency clauses, raising questions about compliance with the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663).
The investigation will cover all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) directly involved in the Games, notably the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Works and Housing, and the Local Organising Committee (LOC).
President Mahama, according to the directive, expects the Auditor-General’s report by the second week of December 2025, stressing that the outcome will inform subsequent administrative and legal actions. “Accountability is not negotiable, the Ghanaian people deserve to know how their money was spent,” the President reportedly told cabinet members during a closed-door meeting on Monday.
The 13th African Games, held in Accra between March 8 and March 23, 2025, brought together over 5,000 athletes from 54 African countries to compete in 29 disciplines. While Ghana received international praise for the organization, delays in infrastructure completion, contract variations, and cost escalations sparked public debate over fiscal prudence.
Civil society groups, including the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) and IMANI Africa, have welcomed the President’s directive, urging that the investigation be thorough and independent. GII Executive Director Mary Awelana Addah said the audit was “a necessary step to rebuild public confidence in large-scale national projects and demonstrate that the era of impunity is over.”
Meanwhile, sources within the Local Organising Committee have defended the cost structure, citing global inflation, exchange rate fluctuations, and tight delivery timelines as major contributors to budget adjustments. “The Games were organized under enormous pressure and in record time. Every dollar spent was accounted for, and we are ready to cooperate fully with the Auditor-General’s team,” a senior LOC member stated.
The Auditor-General’s office is expected to deploy forensic auditors to cross-examine payment records, supplier contracts, and project inspection reports. The exercise will also trace fund flow from the Ministry of Finance to contractors, subcontractors, and vendors associated with the Games.
This development marks one of the first major anti-corruption moves under President Mahama’s administration since returning to office, reinforcing his earlier campaign pledge to restore integrity in public financial management.
The government has assured the public that findings of the forensic probe will be made public once completed, and any individuals or institutions found culpable will face the full force of the law.
If confirmed, the alleged irregularities could become one of Ghana’s largest public expenditure scandals in recent years, reigniting calls for reform in sports project financing and public procurement oversight.
President Mahama Attends 2025 Paris Peace Forum in France
