President John Dramani Mahama has called for “greater consistency” in how public money is spent on national sports, amid a growing debate over the Black Stars’ World Cup budget.
Speaking at a high-profile fundraising gala at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, the President insisted that both the Ghanaian public and corporate investors deserve full clarity on the costs associated with the national team.
The move marks a significant push for financial accountability as Ghana prepares for a challenging 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in North America.
The President’s remarks follow recent friction with the Ghana Football Association (GFA). GFA President Kurt Okraku had previously hit out at what he termed “excessive scrutiny” regarding the team’s financial requirements.
However, President Mahama told stakeholders that secrecy is not an option when dealing with national resources.
“Ghanaians have the right to know how their resources are being utilised,” the President stated. “Corporate partners deserve transparency before they will agree to invest.”
While the President praised the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, for current reporting standards, he urged the ministry to go further.
He called for a regular, predictable schedule of financial disclosures to ensure public trust remains intact.
The push for transparency comes at a critical juncture for the Black Stars. Ghana has been drawn into a formidable Group L for the upcoming tournament, where they will face heavyweights England and Croatia, as well as Panama.
With the tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, fast approaching, the government is keen to ensure that the focus remains on football rather than fiscal controversy.
Senior officials, including Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem, attended the Friday event, signalling the government’s heavy involvement in the World Cup preparations.
On the pitch, the team is entering a vital week of preparation. Fans will be watching closely as the Black Stars take on European sides Austria and Germany in international friendlies this week.
These fixtures are seen as essential tests for the squad before they head to the world stage to face their Group L rivals later this year.
