Sports and Recreation Minister Defends Transparency of Black Stars Budget Amid Public Scrutiny
Controversy surrounds Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, as he vehemently denies allegations of hiding the budget for the Black Stars’ recent World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar. This claim comes on the heels of President Mahama’s call for greater transparency in government spending on national teams during February’s State of the Nation Address.
With 22 days elapsed since the matches, many are questioning the silence from the Sports Ministry regarding the financial details. President Mahama had emphasized the need to end the “era of secrecy,” prompting public demand for accountability.
In an interview with Channel One News, Kofi Adams insisted he is not concealing any information. “You will know it when the time comes,” he stated, assuring that the budget will be publicized eventually. “It would be unfair to make a draft budget public. I’m not hiding it.”
Despite the minister’s assurances, skepticism lingers among fans and stakeholders, particularly as the national team prepares for its next qualifiers in September against Chad and Mali. Currently, the Black Stars sit atop Group I with 15 points, three ahead of second-placed Comoros, igniting further interest in how funds are allocated for their upcoming matches.
The controversy raises broader questions about governance and transparency in sports funding, especially as the Black Stars aim for glory on the world stage.
