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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 Ashanti South Regional Police Intelligence Directorate has arrested two suspects in connection with a robbery attack on an Indian national in Obuasi and a separately planned robbery operation targeting a distribution company in the same area.
On April 16, 2026, Police received credible intelligence that a group of armed men were planning an attack in Obuasi. A police team moved swiftly into the area and arrested suspect Iddrisu Fuseini, also known as “Iddi”, at his hideout in Bedieso, Obuasi.
During interrogation, he confessed to being part of a six-member gang that attacked an Indian national at his residence at New Baakoyeden, Obuasi, on April 12 2026, robbing him of GH₵150,000.00.
He disclosed that the attack was orchestrated following a tip-off from suspect Ibrahim, an employee of the victim, who informed the gang that the victim kept large sums of money.
Further investigations led to the arrest of a second suspect, Shaibu Mohammed, also known as “SM” or “Cicinati”, on 20th April 2026 at his hideout in Gausu, Obuasi. During interrogation, he admitted to participating in the planning of the robbery and confirmed that the gang had further planned to rob a distribution company near Mawuli Hotel in Obuasi.
Investigations have further revealed that both suspects are currently standing trial at the Obuasi Circuit Court in connection with a separate robbery of GH₵600,000.00.
A manhunt is ongoing to arrest the remaining accomplices, identified as Khalifa, Edward, Prof, Waddle, Ebbe, and Ibrahim, and to recover a pump action gun and a locally manufactured pistol believed to be in their possession.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, together with members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), on April 17, 2026, decorated nineteen (19) senior officers who have been promoted to their next ranks based on the recommendations of the Police Council and approval of the President, John Dramani Mahama.
The ceremony, held at the National Police Headquarters in Accra, forms part of efforts to recognise merit, dedication, and long-standing service within the Ghana Police Service, while strengthening leadership across key operational and administrative levels.
The officers promoted from Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) to Commissioner of Police (COP) are Dr. Luke Asue-In-Yeng Zakpaa, Mr. Frederick Agyei, Mr. Duuti Tuaruka, Mr. Arthur Osei-Akoto, Mr. Darko Offei Lomotey, Mr. Eric Ken Winful, Mr. Barnabas Nambont Nasumong, and Mr. Desmond Owusu Boampong.
The IGP and members of POMAB congratulated the officers and urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
