MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa accuses govt of wasting GHc85 million on stadium maintenance amid CAF ban

Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has accused the government of squandering over GHS85 million on stadium maintenance projects over the past five years, alleging that there is little to show for the expenditures.

These claims arise in response to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) banning the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, Ghana’s only approved venue for international matches, due to poor conditions.

As a result of the ban, the Black Stars are now seeking an alternative venue abroad to host their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Sudan, compounding frustrations over the country's stadium infrastructure.

In a series of social media posts, Ablakwa detailed the alleged misuse of taxpayer money, claiming that substantial amounts were paid to companies with links to Kelvin Ofori-Atta, a relative of President Nana Akufo-Addo and former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

The MP’s allegations focus on the quality of renovation work at the Essipong, Accra, and Baba Yara stadiums, which he argues remains inadequate despite significant financial outlays.

Ablakwa outlined the following expenditures:

- GHS41.9 million for Essipong Stadium: The contract was awarded to Cisdan Company Limited, owned by Kelvin Ofori-Atta. By October 2023, payments amounting to GHS6.85 million had been made.

- GHS22.4 million for Accra Sports Stadium: Renovation work was entrusted to Coupbay Ghana Limited, another company linked to Ofori-Atta. The firm received payments totaling GHS11.2 million shortly after the contract was signed.

- GHS21.1 million for Baba Yara Stadium: Awarded to Javkier Limited, this project also received significant funding, certified by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. However, the stadium still faces neglect, ultimately leading to the CAF ban.

Ablakwa’s revelations suggest a troubling pattern of alleged corruption and mismanagement within Ghana’s efforts to revamp its sports infrastructure.

With CAF's ban preventing the hosting of international matches, the pressure mounts on the government to address the deteriorating state of Ghana’s stadiums and restore public trust.

HOW GHANA SPENT OVER GHS85MILLION ON STADIUM RENOVATIONS LARGELY BY AKUFO-ADDO’S RELATIVE AND STILL GOT A CAF BAN

Fresh intercepted documents reveal that colossal amounts of taxpayer funds in excess of GHS85million were actually released to crony companies to rehabilitate three… pic.twitter.com/9wKhYxiwJD
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak)

September 13, 2024