Ghana Astroturf program faces corruption probe over sports facility ownership

An investigation by Corruption Watch has revealed irregularities in Ghana’s national Astroturf program, involving ownership disputes and the privatization of sports facilities built with public funds. The probe suggests that assets valued at over GHS17 million, constructed by institutions such as GNPC and Ghana Gas, have been transferred to private individuals.

Former Minister of Energy John Peter Amewu and former Ghana Gas Communications Director Ernest Owusu-Bempah are reportedly central to ownership disputes regarding facilities in Hohoe and Agogo. In Parliament, Minister for Local Government Ahmed Ibrahim noted that revenue from these facilities is being collected by private parties rather than the state. He stated that Parliament must investigate so that facilities overtaken by individuals can be confiscated and returned to the state.