Tensions have escalated over the alleged payment by Stonebwoy to the National Sports Authority (NSA) for the usage of the Accra Sports Stadium, with Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam George, refuting the reported GH₵70,000 payment.
According to the MP, he has evidence to support a GH₵169,000 payment, emphasising that the NSA’s initial claim is false.
The controversy unfolded when Stonebwoy’s manager, Chief Abiola, insisted that more than the alleged GH₵70,000 was paid to secure the Accra Sports Stadium for the annual Bhim concert.
Sam George revealed that the dancehall artiste paid GH₵169,000 in three installments for the stadium usage in December.
“During my questioning (at the PAC meeting), I had evidence of GH₵70,000 being paid by the Burniton Music Group representatives of Stonebwoy for his Fifth Dimension concert,” Sam George told Joy FM.
He continued, “I asked the Director-General [of the NSA] if GH₵70,000 had been paid to the accounts for that event, and he confirmed that yes, GH₵70,000.”
However, post the event, Sam George obtained the contract signed between NSA and the Burniton Music Group, along with receipts of payment, revealing that it was GH₵169,000 paid in three installments – GH₵70,000, GH₵70,000, and GH₵29,000.
The NSA has faced public criticism for renting out the Accra Sports Stadium for events in December, diverting from its primary purpose for sporting activities.
The revelations from Stonebwoy’s manager and Sam George add another layer to the issue, prompting demands for accountability and transparency regarding the NSA’s actions.
I made a promise on the 27th of December 2023, as quoted in the tweet below. The pledge was to deal decisively with the rot at the National Sports Authority under the leadership of Prof. Peter Twumasi.
Yesterday, he appeared with his team, and as promised, I carried out my civic… https://t.co/hxzt3JCS2r pic.twitter.com/wrsIYcoDGD
— Sam 'Dzata' George 🦁🇬🇭 (@samgeorgegh) February 6, 2024
Sam George, in response to the recent controversies, expressed his support for investigations into the NSA by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairman James Avesdzi Klutse.
He also emphasised that the investigations should not only involve the auditor general but also the office of the special prosecutor to ensure a thorough examination of the authority’s activities.