Local Organizing Committee Disputes Claims of Excessive Spending for African Games 2023 Operational Budget

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 13th African Games has refuted claims made by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa regarding their operational budget. A letter from LOC Chairman Dr. Kwaku Ofosu Asare stated that the reported GHS602,000 (US$48 million) expenditure over 18 days is “erroneous” and a “misrepresentation of the facts.” The committee argues that the budget covers recurrent expenses related to hosting 54 African countries, including medical and anti-doping measures, transport, accommodation, catering, branding, games management, team preparation, broadcasting, and equipment for 29 sporting disciplines. The controversy arises as the country invested heavily in infrastructure, with US$195 million allocated for facilities to host the games, initially planned for August 2023 but postponed to 2024 due to delays in completing sports facilities.