MP Samuel Nartey George Questions Missing $3.5 Million in GBC Payment Controversy

Samuel Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, has raised concerns over the whereabouts of $3.5 million related to payments made to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) for its coverage of the 13th All African Games.

George’s inquiries have intensified the controversy surrounding the payments, highlighting the need for transparent and honest communication from the Ministry of Youth and Sports and GBC.

According to George, the contract stipulated that GBC was entitled to $3.6 million for its services. He questioned why only $105,000 was received by GBC, despite the Ministry’s assertion that the total amount, plus an excess of $3 million, was paid. George emphasized that the contract did not mention third-party involvement and outlined GBC’s full scope of work.

This significant payment shortfall could seriously impact GBC’s ability to continue operations and fulfil its obligations.

“In fact, the fee is clear in the party’s obligations. It is agreed that GBC will provide services for $3.6 million. It goes on to break all the conditions down and the scope of work,” George said.

He pointed out that the contract details should have mentioned payments to third parties, raising concerns about whether the remaining $3,495,000 was paid directly to third parties without GBC’s involvement.

George asked if there was any contractual basis for these payments and questioned why the Minister’s statements contradicted GBC’s confirmation.

“Will that not be in flagrant disregard of the contract that they signed? And would that not be in contradiction of what the Minister said?” George asked. He highlighted that GBC’s Director-General, Prof. Amin Alhassan, confirmed the media house only received $105,000, contrasting sharply with the Minister’s claims.

The controversy erupted after Prof. Alhassan clarified that GBC received only $105,000. At the same time, the Minister, Mustapha Ussif, claimed during a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) session that over $3 million had been paid to GBC.

Alhassan explained that the payments facilitated by GBC were for services provided by foreign third parties, not for GBC’s direct benefit.

The discrepancy between the reported payments and the contract terms has raised serious concerns and led to urgent calls for further investigation into the handling of the funds and the contractual obligations associated with the broadcasting services for the Games. The potential impact of this controversy cannot be overstated.