Over GHS85 million stadium funds misused by Akufo-Addo's relatives - Ablakwa alleges
Accra, Ghana - September 14, 2024 - A shocking revelation has emerged about the mismanagement of taxpayer funds meant for the renovation of Ghana's national sports stadia.
Documents intercepted by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a member of parliament, show that over GHS85 million was released to companies owned by relatives of President Akufo-Addo and other politically exposed individuals for stadium rehabilitation projects.
Despite the huge sums of money spent, Ghana's national stadia have been banned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) from hosting international competitions due to substandard facilities.
The documents reveal that Cisdan Company Limited, owned by Kelvin Ofori-Atta, a relative of President Akufo-Addo, was awarded a contract to rehabilitate the Essipong Stadium at a cost of GHS41.9 million.
Similarly, Coupbay Ghana Limited, also owned by Kelvin Ofori-Atta, was awarded a contract to renovate the Accra Sports Stadium at a cost of GHS22.4 million.
Javkier Limited, owned by the Arhin ladies, was awarded a contract to renovate the Baba Yara Sports Stadium at a cost of GHS21.1 million.
However, despite these huge investments, the stadiums remain in a deplorable state, leading to the CAF ban.
Ablakwa has called for the impeachment of President Akufo-Addo and the removal of officials at the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Authority, citing corruption, nepotism, and ineptitude.
Below are the documents posted on the Facbook page of Hon. Samuel Okdzeto Ablakwa.
Find attached the intercepted agreement between Cisdan and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
2) GHS22.4million Accra Sports Stadium Renovation
On 27th February 2020, the Ministry of Youth and Sports entered into an agreement with Coupbay Ghana Limited to renovate the Accra Sports Stadium at a total cost of GHS22,484,134.37.
Coupbay Ghana Limited is also owned by the same politically exposed Kelvin Ofori-Atta. See articles of incorporation attached.
In less than a month after the 27th February, 2020 agreement, Coupbay raised an interim payment certificate on 23rd March, 2020 demanding payment of GHS11,223,895.03. (Evidence of this is attached).
By 3rd November, 2021, the Youth and Sports Ministry was demanding another payment of GHS4,553,199.83 for Coupbay. (Intercepted letter attached).
3) GHS21.1million Baba Yara (Kumasi) Sports Stadium Renovation
On 6th April, 2020, the Ministry of Youth and Sports signed another agreement worth GHS21,122,068.44 with Javkier Limited for the renovation of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. (Agreement is attached).
Javkier was notified by the Youth Ministry that it has won the contract in a letter dated March 27, 2020. (See document attached).
This is the same stadium looking as though it has gone without renovations for more than two decades.
On June 1, 2023, Javkier owned by the Arhin ladies were certified for payment by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
President Akufo-Addo should have long been impeached, and none of the leaders at the MoYS and the NSA deserve to keep their jobs.
I shall be back with Part 2
Source: Lead News Online
