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Juliana Addo-Yobo, the director overseeing volunteers for the 13th African Games, has announced that the Ministry of Sports is actively working to resolve outstanding allowances for volunteers. This comes after volunteers expressed discontent over the delay in receiving the promised GH¢2,500 allowance.
Volunteers had been assured of GH¢500 for transportation and GH¢2,000 as an appreciation allowance, but as of Tuesday, these promises had not been fulfilled.
Addo-Yobo reiterated the ministry’s dedication to resolving the matter promptly, emphasizing the value of volunteerism despite its typically unpaid nature. She stated, “We oriented the volunteers on the things to expect as a volunteer, what was required of them, their dedication, commitment, and so forth. We taught them the concept of volunteerism. I always had a slogan that I used to say that volunteerism is free. But then, at the end of the day, having transported themselves from their various places, we will try and see if something small could be given to them, at least to assist them in their transportation.”
Efforts were made to gather enough funds to provide the promised allowances before the event ended on the 23rd, but unfortunately, this was not possible.
Despite these reassurances, some volunteers remain disheartened. Damba Abdulai Seidu, a volunteer, expressed the frustration shared by many, noting the invaluable services rendered by volunteers and the financial strain they now face. He said, “The services that we rendered are something that you can’t even place monetary value on. I must admit, the majority of us have already lost hope. You know, it is not everybody who has had to contain this rioting and things like that because the whole place looks scary.”
Many volunteers have had to seek assistance from friends and family to return to their villages, while others remain hopeful for any resolution that may arise.
The Ministry of Sports has not provided a specific timeline for when the allowances will be settled, but Addo-Yobo’s statements suggest that efforts are underway to resolve the matter as soon as possible.
