GFA Sets the Record Straight on Black Stars’ Finances: Accountability Lies with Sports Ministry
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has issued a statement clarifying its position regarding the financial management of the Black Stars, emphasizing that all budgeting and expenditure responsibilities lie exclusively with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.
This clarification comes in response to former President John Dramani Mahama’s remarks during his recent State of the Nation Address, where he called for greater transparency in the management of the national team’s finances.
Mahama raised concerns about Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the need for accountability in the financial dealings related to the Black Stars. Acknowledging his passion for the sport, the GFA expressed appreciation for Mahama’s commitment to Ghanaian football while reiterating its own dedication to improving the team’s performance.
In their statement, the GFA noted, “We also endorse His Excellency’s call for transparency in relation to the budgeting and expenditure related to the Black Stars and, by extension, all national teams.” However, they stressed that the GFA only submits a draft budget to the Ministry for approval, leaving all subsequent financial decisions in the hands of the government.
“Indeed, as part of our commitment to transparency, the GFA has always provided the Ministry responsible for Sports with the first draft budget for the national teams. Beyond this, everything to do with the budgeting and expenditure related to the Black Stars sits with the Ministry,” the GFA added.
The statement underscored that any payments made concerning the Black Stars are exclusively managed by the Ministry, reiterating the GFA’s supportive role in ensuring transparency and accountability
