Ghana is awash in athletic glory as it hosts the African Games. But a shadow hangs over the festivities – a hefty price tag amidst economic woes. The nation shelled out a whopping $250 million, raising eyebrows. Critics call it a reckless splurge for a country grappling with debt, inflation, and a rising cost of living.

“Our priorities are messed up!” fumes opposition MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. He points to Ghana’s downgraded credit rating and questions the wisdom of such extravagance.

President Nana Akufo-Addo, however, sees a silver lining. He believes the Games’ legacy – state-of-the-art sports facilities – will outlast the current economic storm.

The event itself wasn’t without hiccups. Power cuts plagued the opening days, and some competitions lacked basic equipment. Even the athletes’ village experienced a blackout!

Ghana’s gamble involved a $145 million sports complex, a revamped stadium, and a spruced-up athlete village. However, with only eight sports offering Olympic qualifiers, some top African athletes opted to skip the Games.

Publicity was also lacking. Accra residents reported a muted buzz leading up to the ceremony. One shopkeeper blamed the Black Stars’ recent poor performance for dampening spirits.

“We need food, not fancy stadiums!” lamented Yaw Asare, a taxi driver reflecting the economic anxieties of many Ghanaians.

The Games could even impact the upcoming elections. With inflation still hovering around 23%, Ghanaians might hold the ruling party accountable for their spending spree.

Economists warn that the hefty price tag could cripple Ghana’s recovery. Professor Mensah cautions that inflated costs often outweigh the economic benefits of hosting such events.

But Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif is optimistic. He believes the Games can offer a welcome respite from the pandemic blues and potentially boost tourism. Will Ghana’s gamble pay off? Only time will tell. One thing’s for sure – these Games are a fascinating mix of athletic pride and economic risk.

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