Former Youth and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif is set to appear before the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) on Monday, April 7, 2025 along side Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, Kwame Obeng Asare, popularly known as A Plus. This follows a directive from the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, who authorized their release for questioning.
The former Minister is expected to engage in a preliminary discussion with NIB officials at the Sir Emmanuel Charles Quist Conference Room in Parliament at 10:00 am. While the exact reason for the summons remains unclear, speculation points to their alleged involvement in matters related to Ghana’s hosting of the 2023 African Games.
The summons come amid heightened scrutiny over the financial management of the 2023 African Games, which was a major undertaking by the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government. During Ussif’s tenure as Sports Minister, the government allocated a $47.7 million operational budget for the event, which took place from March 8 to March 23, 2024.
Additionally, significant investments were made in infrastructure, including $145 million for the construction of the Borteyman Sports Centre, $34 million for the renovation of the University of Ghana Stadium, and $16 million for the refurbishment of the Games Village at Legon. These expenditures have drawn attention, particularly from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which has pledged to investigate potential mismanagement of funds.
The NDC, now in power, has made it clear that it intends to hold the former government accountable for any financial irregularities. With Ussif at the helm of the Sports Ministry during the planning and execution of the African Games, he has become a central figure in the ongoing probe.
While the NIB has not officially disclosed the specifics of the investigation, sources suggest that the questioning may focus on allegations of misappropriated funds and transparency issues during his tenure. A Plus, on the other hand, has been a vocal critic of government actions in the past, and his involvement in the summons adds another layer of intrigue to the case.
The decision by Parliament to release the two MPs for questioning underscores the importance of the matters at hand. According to a statement by the Clerk of Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, the Speaker’s directive was made with consideration of the 1992 Constitution, existing protocols with security agencies, and public interest.
This move signals a commitment to accountability and transparency, as the nation seeks to address concerns over the use of public funds for major projects. The NIB’s involvement further highlights the seriousness of the investigation, as the bureau is tasked with probing matters of national significance.