Government paid GBC $3 million for coverage of African Games – Sports Minister

The Minister of Youth and Sports Mustapha Ussif has disclosed that the government paid the national broadcaster a sum of $3 million for the coverage of the 2023 African Games.

Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee on Monday, August 19, 2024, the Sports Minister said the amount was paid to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) as the official broadcaster for the Games.

This was after he was asked by the MP for Ningo Prampram, Sam George, to share the budget allocated for the coverage.

Sports Minister reveals budget for African Games coverage

According to Sam George, some of the technicians who worked during the African Games had claimed that they had still not been paid.

“You had an arrangement with GBC to cover the All African Games. Can you share with this committee how much that coverage was for, and whether payment has been made for same?” the NDC legislator asked.

Responding to the question, Mustapha Ussif said: “Yes, GBC was the official broadcaster for the 13th All African Games, and I can confirm that full payment has been made to GBC. I can’t remember the exact amount but I know that it is in the excess of $3 million.”

The government of Ghana said it spent $195 million on infrastructure for the African Games, which took place between February and March.

However, last month, the Sports Minister also confirmed that the government owed some 28 hotels for their services rendered during the Games.

Mustapha Ussif said some hotels had already been paid, however, while assuring that the rest would also be remunerated soon.