Government Cuts Black Stars Budget by Over $732,000 for Upcoming World Cup Qualifiers Against Chad and Mali
The Ghanaian Ministry of Sports and Recreation has announced a significant reduction in the budget for the Black Stars in preparation for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali. This decision comes as part of a directive from President John Mahama aimed at ensuring transparency and fiscal responsibility in national team expenditures.
Sports Minister Kofi Adams revealed that the final approved budget for the matches on September 4 against Chad and September 8 against Mali totals $1,320,490, a sharp decrease from the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) initial request of $2,053,240. This represents a total savings of $732,750.
The budgeting process involved several key stages. The GFA submitted its budget, covering travel, accommodation, bonuses, training, and logistics, which was subsequently adjusted in line with the government’s fiscal guidelines. The revised budget was then vetted and approved by the Office of the President, as national team funding does not have a dedicated budget line at the Ministry.
For the away match against Chad, the GFA initially estimated costs at approximately $1,239,090, but the government approved only $856,890, resulting in a savings of $382,200. Key funded items included:
– Player and official travel: $168,000
– Chartered flight to N’Djamena: $300,000
– Accommodation, meals, and medical expenses: $10,000
The savings were primarily achieved by reducing imprest from $60,000 to $20,000 and eliminating facility user fees and internal transport costs.
In terms of player bonuses, the team will now receive $5,000 for each win, with additional bonuses contingent upon qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, cutting the total bonus costs from $260,000 to $130,000. Similar reductions were implemented for the head coach, assistant coaches, and backroom staff, resulting in total savings of $313,000.
For the home match against Mali, the GFA estimated $814,150, but the government approved only $463,600, saving $350,550. Fully funded items included accommodation, per diems, medical expenses, and match officials’ packages.
Minister Kofi Adams described the budget adjustments as a testament to the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline. “Across both match windows, we have realized total savings of $732,750. This demonstrates the government’s resolve to protect taxpayers while ensuring that the essentials required for the Black Stars to perform are fully funded,” he stated.
He also praised the GFA for its cooperation and acknowledged the players’ willingness to align their bonuses with the country’s economic realities. “The Ministry will continue to work with the GFA to further align national team budgeting to the realities of our national economy,” Adams added.
