NIB summons former Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif

On Monday, April 7, 2025, former Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif and Kwame Obeng Asare, often known as A Plus, the Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, are scheduled to appear before the National Investigation Bureau (NIB). This comes after Speaker of the House of Parliament Alban Bagbin ordered their release for investigation.

At 10:00 am, the former minister is scheduled to meet with NIB representatives in the Sir Emmanuel Charles Quist Conference Room in Parliament for an initial conversation. Although the precise reason for the summons is yet unknown, rumors suggest that they may have been involved in issues pertaining to Ghana’s hosting of the 2023 African Games.

The summons coincides with increased attention being paid to the 2023 African Games’ financial management, a significant project of the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration. The event was held from March 8 to March 23, 2024, with a $47.7 million operating budget provided by the government during Ussif’s time as Sports Minister.

Significant infrastructure investments were also made, such as $145 million for the Borteyman Sports Centre’s building, $34 million for the University of Ghana Stadium’s rehabilitation, and $16 million for the Games Village at Legon’s renovation. The National Democratic Congress (NDC), in particular, has taken notice of these expenditures and promised to look into possible financial malfeasance.

Now in power, the NDC has stated unequivocally that it will hold the previous administration responsible for any financial violations. Ussif has emerged as a key player in the ongoing investigation because he oversaw the Sports Ministry during the preparation and implementation of the African Games.

Although the NIB has not formally revealed the investigation’s details, insiders speculate that the questions could center on claims of embezzled money and problems with openness during his time there. However, A Plus has previously been a strong opponent of government policies, and his participation in the summons gives the case even more drama.

The significance of the issues at hand is highlighted by Parliament’s decision to release the two MPs for interrogation. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, the Clerk of Parliament, stated that the Speaker’s order was issued after taking into account the public interest, the 1992 Constitution, and current security agency procedures.

As the country looks to address concerns about the use of public funding for large projects, this action shows a commitment to accountability and transparency. Given that the NIB is charged with looking into issues of national importance, the bureau’s involvement emphasizes the investigation’s gravity even more.

Read the letter below:

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com