Mustapha Ussif, the Minister of Youth and Sports, has refuted claims that the Ministry owes all hotels used to accommodate athletes and officials during the 2023 African Games. In a recent media briefing, he clarified several issues, including those related to the Norway Scandal and the construction of Youth Resource Centres.

Addressing the Norway Scandal, the Minister disclaimed responsibility for the incident involving individuals who allegedly impersonated para-athletes to represent Ghana at a marathon in Norway, where they later absconded.

Regarding reports of hoteliers threatening legal action over unpaid bills for the 2023 African Games, Minister Ussif stated, “We engaged 44 hotels during the African Games, and as we speak, only 28 of them are still owed by the Ministry. The rest have been fully paid. The report [of non-payment of bills to hotels] is not accurate. Of the 28 we still owe, all have received more than 40% of their payments, and as soon as we receive funding, the remaining payments will be settled.”

Ghana achieved a record of 69 medals at the 2023 African Games.