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Hoteliers Association threaten legal action over unpaid African Games debts
The Ghana Hoteliers Association has unveiled its plans to investigate what they describe as threats from some of its members to sue the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for failing to pay 80 percent of the funds owed after hosting guests for the 13th African Games in Accra.
According to them, despite only receiving 20 percent of the agreed amount, the hoteliers assert that their repeated efforts to secure the remaining balance from the Ministry have been fruitless.
Dr. Edward Ackah-Nyameke, President of the Hoteliers Association, expressed his concerns about the issue in a conversation with Citi News on Sunday.
He urged the government to implement measures to fulfil its financial obligations to the service providers it engages.
“The games were organised in March, and we are now well into July. These rates were negotiated long before the games began, so one would expect that they were factored into the budgeting for the all-African games and provisions made for payment right after the event,” Ackah-Nyameke stated.
“Only 20 percent upfront payment has been made, with 80 percent still outstanding. I’m not sure if more hotels are affected beyond the 40 reported. We will have to take up this issue because it impacts the industry,” he revealed.
“Even if some hotels aren’t Association members, anything affecting hotels has wider implications, so we will start inquiries and advocate for prompt payment of these arrears,” Mr Ackah-Nyameke highlighted that this issue is not new.
He added, “Some hotels have decided not to deal with public agencies due to similar payment issues. It’s an ongoing problem. We need to find a way to address it, and hopefully, this story will prompt the agencies to meet their financial responsibilities.”
The 13th African Games this year saw over 13,000 participants, including 5,000 athletes, 3,000 technical officials, 3,000 volunteers, and 2,000 guests from 54 African countries. Many of these guests were lodged in hotels in Accra.
The LOC and the Ministry of Youth and Sports had negotiated rates with the hoteliers before the games. Over 40 hoteliers report that the Ministry made an upfront payment of only 20%, with a commitment to pay the remaining 80% immediately after the games concluded on March 23.
However, the Ministry has yet to clear its outstanding debt.
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Ghana to locally refine its gold starting October 2025 – Sammy Gyamfi
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, has announced that plans are far advanced for the establishment of a state-owned gold refinery in the country.
Speaking at the 2025 Minerals and Mining Convention, Mr Gyamfi said the refinery will process locally mined gold into bullion instead of exporting it in its raw state.
According to him, it is unacceptable that Ghana, despite being a leading gold producer in Africa, continues to export raw gold known as dore.
He explained that the Gold Board, working with the Bank of Ghana and local refineries, will from October 2025 begin refining gold locally.
He also disclosed that an ultramodern assay laboratory will be built to ensure international standards in testing gold quality.
Mr Gyamfi noted that the refinery will be wholly state-owned and will help Ghana move away from raw mineral exports to value addition.
This, he said, will boost foreign exchange earnings, create jobs, and position Ghana as a hub for gold refining and jewellery production in Africa.
The CEO stressed that the project forms part of government’s strategy to ensure the country benefits fully from its natural resources and to transform the mining sector into a driver of economic growth.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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There is strength in diversity; let’s live in peace – Zanetor Rawlings urges Ghanaians
Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has urged Ghanaians, especially the youth, to value the peace the country enjoys and to see diversity as a source of strength.
Speaking at the National Youth Conference held at the Pentecost Convention Centre under the theme “Igniting Potential; Inspiring Change”, she warned against being lured into conflicts and divisions fueled by reckless statements from politicians, traditional leaders, religious figures, or academics.
According to her, many young people have no idea what it means to live in a country torn apart by war, and therefore must not take Ghana’s peace for granted.
She stressed that the harmony among different ethnic and regional groups should be protected at all costs, since it is peace that allows citizens to gather freely and safely.
Dr. Zanetor said Ghana’s development depends on embracing diversity and working together.
She urged the youth to tap into this strength so that Ghana would continue to shine as the “Black Star” of Africa and serve as an example for other nations.
She expressed appreciation to the participants for attending the conference and asked for God’s blessings on the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
