"We spent $15 million on food for 12,902 participants during 2023 African Games" - LOC Chair

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2023 African Games has confirmed that $15 million was allocated for feeding 12,902 participants during the continental event.

This substantial amount covered meals for athletes, team officials, technical officers, and volunteers, with each individual receiving four meals a day.

Chairman of Parliament's Select Committee for Youth, Sports, and Tourism, Kobena Woyome, previously claimed that this expenditure was intended to "feed athletes for 18 days." However, the LOC clarified that the funding actually supported meal provision for 23 days.

“The amount is $15 million, and it provided four meals—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks—per day for 23 days, not the 15, 18, or 10 figures being mentioned,” stated LOC Chairman Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare during a press conference on Wednesday.

Dr. Ofosu-Asare highlighted that the funds were allocated for a wide range of participants, including athletes, team officials, technical personnel, media members (both local and foreign), security staff, volunteers, medical officers, transport teams, VIPs, and dignitaries.

Kwesi Mantey, Chairman of the Catering Sub-committee for the event, added that 7.5 percent was deducted from the $15 million as withholding tax. M and L Company Limited was contracted to provide the food throughout the Games.

In the wake of these revelations, Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif is expected to appear before Parliament to present a comprehensive breakdown of the Games' overall expenditures.

The 2023 African Games, which marked Ghana’s first hosting rights, took place from March 8 to 23, 2024, with the nation proudly winning a total of 69 medals during the competition.