Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, Executive Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2023 African Games, has set the record straight regarding th
Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, Executive Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2023 African Games, has set the record straight regarding the cost of the Games Management System.
In response to concerns raised by Kobena Mensah Woyome, Chairman of Parliament’s Select Committee for Youth, Sports, and Tourism, Dr. Ofosu-Asare revealed that the system’s actual expenditure was $2.9 million, not the $4.5 million figure Woyome had mentioned.
The LOC contracted ATOS, a renowned technology integrator that is also managing the systems for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, to implement the Games Management System.
This system covers a wide range of functionalities beyond just accreditation, including TV graphics, the Commentators Information System, Sports Entry and Qualification, Games Results, and Final Results.
During a press conference at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 30, 2024, Dr. Ofosu-Asare clarified, “We paid the company [ATOS] $2,995,000, which amounted to GH¢35,940,000, not $4.5 million; you can quote me anywhere.”
He emphasized that accreditation tags are merely a small part of the overall system and that Woyome’s concerns had not been directly addressed with the LOC despite three meetings.
Dr. Ofosu-Asare also pointed out that during the organization of the Games, Woyome had opportunities to engage the LOC but did not seek detailed information on contract expenditures.
In addition to the LOC’s clarification, Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif is expected to appear before Parliament to provide a detailed breakdown of all expenditures related to the 2023 African Games, held from March 8-23, 2024.
This was a historic event for Ghana, marking its first time hosting the African Games. The nation concluded the competition with a commendable tally of 69 medals.
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