LOC refutes claims on contract awards for Accra 2023 African Games, clarifies costs and procedures

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the African Games – Accra 2023 has refuted claims regarding the processes and amounts involved in awarding three contracts ahead of the multi-sport competition which was held between March 8–23, 2024.

According to the LOC, the country’s procurement laws, particularly the Public Procurement Act, 2002 (Act 663) as amended by Act 914, were followed in the contract award process with contracts requiring Parliamentary approval being approved before any payments were made.

Addressing a press conference on Monday in Accra, the Chair of the LOC, Dr. Kwaku Ofosu Asare, expressed surprise that the Chairman of Parliament’s Select Committee for Youth, Sports, and Tourism, Kobena Mensah Woyome, who had held several meetings with the LOC, had become the source of the false claims.

The LOC restricted the press conference to three contracts: the Games Management System, catering, and insurance. Dr. Ofosu Asare explained that other areas would be addressed by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, after a question was filed in Parliament and the LOC’s report, which will soon be completed.

“The reason we are here today is to interact with you and clarify some of the issues and figures that have been circulated. For instance, Honourable Kobena Woyome, who is the chair of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Youth and Sports, has access to parliamentary tools to ascertain facts and cross-check information. It is unfortunate that he is sharing incorrect figures with the media,” Dr. Ofosu Asare said.

He added, “It’s important to note that during the organization of the Games, Honourable Woyome met the LOC on three separate occasions at the request of the Parliamentary Select Committee. At no point did he seek information from the LOC itself to address queries related to the issuance of contracts.”

Dr. Ofosu Asare also mentioned that Honourable Woyome has filed a question in Parliament to which the Minister of Youth and Sports has responded. The minister is awaiting the Speaker of Parliament’s call to provide an official response. “This is why we are limiting our discussion today to these three contracts,” he stated.

Games Management System

Dr. Ofosu Asare clarified that the Games Management System, procured from Atos, cost $2,995,000. This contradicts Mr. Woyome’s claim that it cost $4.5 million.

The system, he explained, covers various aspects, including internet registration for participating athletes, accreditation, sports entry and qualification data, game results, volunteer and workforce management, and games time systems.

Catering

Dr. Ofosu Asare also addressed the catering contract, stating that the LOC signed a $15 million agreement with L&M to provide meals for 11,000 athletes and officials. They were to be fed four times a day—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack—over the 23-day event, with each meal costing $15, amounting to $60 per day.

However, he noted that close to 13,000 people, including athletes, media personnel, security, volunteers, dignitaries, and VIPs, were fed during the competition.

The meals adhered to International Olympic Committee standards, ensuring they catered to the specific cuisines of the regions from which the athletes originated.

Insurance

Contrary to widely published claims that the competition’s insurance cost $4.5 million, Dr. Ofosu Asare stated that the LOC reached an agreement with GLICO for GH₵3,931,402.64.

He added that while the LOC was unable to secure insurance sponsorship, GLICO graciously stepped in to allow the Games to proceed, even though the premium has not yet been paid after the insurance provider pre-financed it.

Caution to the media

Dr. Ofosu Asare cautioned the media to verify claims made by politicians about contracts, particularly in this election season, as false information could inflame public passions.

He also expressed delight that no incidents of food poisoning were recorded during the Games and highlighted the event’s contribution to improving the nation’s sports facilities and providing numerous opportunities for the Ghanaian media.