Mahama Ayariga Urges Adherence to Sports Fund Reporting Process While Supporting Parliamentary Oversight

The Majority Leader and Chairman of Parliament's Business Committee, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, has assured Members of Parliament that the House will receive the necessary reports on Ghana's participation in the World Cup and the management of the Sports Fund through the appropriate parliamentary processes.

Responding to concerns raised on the floor of Parliament, Hon. Ayariga acknowledged the growing interest in receiving a comprehensive briefing from the Minister for Sports and Recreation on the country's World Cup participation and related expenditures.

He noted that Parliament's attention should also focus on the new legal framework governing sports financing, particularly the Sports Fund Act, which establishes mandatory reporting requirements to promote transparency and accountability.

According to the Majority Leader, the legislation requires detailed reports on the exact amounts paid into the Sports Fund and a full account of how those resources are utilized, ensuring that Parliament can effectively exercise its oversight responsibility.

Hon. Ayariga outlined two possible approaches for addressing Members' concerns. The first is to allow the statutory reporting process under the Sports Fund Act to run its course so that the required report is formally laid before Parliament. The second is for Members to file urgent questions specifically on the World Cup, which would require the Minister for Sports and Recreation to appear before the House and provide immediate answers.

He emphasized that both options are available under Parliament's procedures and would ensure transparency while enabling Members to obtain the information needed to hold the Executive accountable.

The Majority Leader reaffirmed Parliament's commitment to strengthening oversight of public resources and ensuring that government spending in the sports sector remains transparent and accountable

Report filed by PKB