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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.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has opened applications for members interested in contesting as its parliamentary candidates in the 2028 general elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026, the party said interested members must declare their intention to contest between Sunday, November 1, and Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
According to the statement signed by the party’s Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, prospective candidates must complete an online form within the specified period.
The party said a non-refundable application fee of GH¢5,000 would be charged to each prospective candidate.
It added that all applicants would undergo vetting and screening to determine their eligibility to contest on the party’s ticket.
The NPP announced plans to organise capacity-building workshops for prospective candidates in December 2026. The workshops will be held across the Northern, Middle and Southern zones, with details of the venues to be announced later.
The party stressed that the guidelines would apply to all prospective candidates, including sitting NPP Members of Parliament who wish to contest again.
It further warned aspirants against starting campaign activities following the opening of the application process.
According to the statement, the existing directive prohibiting campaign activities remains in force until the party gives official clearance.
It cautioned that anyone who violates the directive would face appropriate sanctions under the party’s constitution and regulations.
The NPP said the process was designed to promote fairness, transparency and equal opportunities for all aspirants as it prepares to select candidates for all 276 constituencies ahead of the 2028 elections.
It urged prospective candidates to follow the guidelines and conduct themselves with discipline and respect for one another throughout the process.
The party said its broader objective was to strengthen unity within its ranks and rebuild public confidence ahead of the 2028 general elections.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Firefighters from the Upper West Regional Command have responded to a vehicular incident involving a long vehicle carrying 35 Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC totes) reportedly containing hydrogen peroxide at Goriyiri in the Nadowli-Kaleo District.
The five-member crew, led by ASTNO Balagee, reported to the scene where a fire and an explosion had reportedly occurred.
The firefighters assessed the scene, identified the chemical hazards and implemented appropriate response measures, bringing the situation under control.
The driver reportedly sustained severe chemical burns and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
