The Ministry of Youth and Sports has announced major cost reductions in the Black Stars’ budget for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, following President John Mahama’s directive to prioritize transparency and prudent spending on national team activities.
Sports Minister Kofi Adams, speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, revealed that the final government-approved budget for Matchday 7 against Chad on September 4, 2025, and Matchday 8 against Mali on September 8, 2025, is $1,320,490—a significant cut from the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) original request of $2,053,240. This adjustment translates into a savings of $732,750.
According to the minister, the budgeting process was carried out in four stages:
- The GFA submitted its proposed budget, covering expenses such as travel, accommodation, bonuses, training, and logistics.
- Each item was reviewed and aligned with the government’s fiscal policy.
- The Office of the President vetted and approved the revised budget, since national team funding is not allocated under a specific ministry budget line.
- The Presidency’s clearance then allowed the Ministry of Finance to release the required funds.
Matchday 7: Chad vs Ghana (Away)
For the away fixture against Chad, the GFA had requested $1,239,090, but the government approved $856,890, resulting in savings of $382,200.
Key funded areas included:
- Player and official travel: $168,000
- Chartered flight to N’djamena: $300,000
- Accommodation and meals in Accra and Chad
- Medical expenses: $10,000