Mustapha Ussif reiterates that government will not sponsor flights of fans to the World Cup
Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif has reiterated his stance that the government has no plans of sponsoring fans to Qatar 2022 with tax-payers money.
According to him, the decision has been necessitated by the current economic hardship that Ghana is facing with the ministry rather calling on corporate Ghana to help in transporting fans to support the Black Stars at the global mundial.
He made these comments during a press conference when Goldfields Ghana Limited presented $300,000 to support the Black Stars world cup campaign.
“In view of the current situation we find ourselves, the government will not be using the consolidated fund to fund anybody as a supporter to Qatar. But what we will do as you historically know, is we will rely on corporate Ghana to support us so we can get some few supporters to support our national team.
“The Ministry of Youth and Sports will, however, continue to appeal to corporate Ghana and the private sector, to support and finance some Ghanaian fans to provide symbolic support for the Black Stars. As an alternative measure, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, in collaboration with the Ghanaian Mission in Qatar, will mobilize Ghanaians and other Africans based in Qatar to provide support for the Black Stars.
“Irrespective of the challenges, wherever we are, and everywhere we go, let us rally behind the Black Stars in this World Cup Campaign, Qatar 2022, and give them our unflinching support to make another worthwhile history in their World Cup journey.”
Coach Atto Addo is expected to name his final squad for the tournament on Monday, November 14 as Ghana prepares to play Switzerland in their final international friendly on Thursday, November 17, before the World Cup commences on Sunday, November 20, 2022 with Ghana playing their first group game against Portugal on November 24.