Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has ordered an immediate forensic investigation into the organization and execution of the 13th African Games, hosted in Ghana earlier this year.
The directive follows the submission of a preliminary report by the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), which flagged potential irregularities in the planning, procurement, and financial management of the continental sporting event.
In a statement issued from the Presidency, President Mahama has instructed the Auditor-General to lead a comprehensive forensic audit focusing on the award of contracts for infrastructure and services, procurement processes for equipment, logistics, and vendor engagements, construction and rehabilitation of sports facilities (including the University of Ghana Stadium and Borteyman Sports Complex), and budget utilization and financial accountability across all organizing committees.
Among other things, the audit will include the Local Organising Committee’s (LOC) 2023 African Games confirmation in 2024 that $15 million was spent on food for 12,902 participants in the continental event.
The President emphasized transparency and accountability, stating:
“The African Games were a proud moment for Ghana, but any hint of mismanagement or corruption must be thoroughly investigated. The people of Ghana deserve full clarity on how public funds were used.”
The Auditor-General has been given a tight deadline, with the final forensic report expected to be submitted to the Presidency by the second week of December 2025.
Sources within the Ministry of Youth and Sports indicate that the NIB report highlighted discrepancies in contract valuations, delays in project execution despite advance payments, and questions over the involvement of certain local and foreign contractors.
The investigation is expected to involve collaboration with the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) and the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) if criminal elements are uncovered.
The 13th African Games, held from March 8–23, 2025, saw participation from over 50 African nations and featured the debut of new sports facilities built at a cost of over $200 million, largely funded through government budgets and international loans.
President Mahama, who assumed office in January 2025, has made anti-corruption a cornerstone of his administration. This probe marks the first high-profile investigation into a major national project under his leadership.