The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has clarified that government will not use public funds to sponsor supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
In a statement issued on Thursday, June 18, 2026, the Ministry said there had been a “deliberate distortion of information” suggesting the state would pay for fan trips to the tournament.
“We want to state unequivocally that H.E. President John Dramani Mahama and the Ministry of Sports have consistently and explicitly ruled out the use of public funds to sponsor supporters,” the statement said.
The Ministry cited “sound economic considerations” and the need to prioritize domestic economic development and sports infrastructure.
It noted that the cost per fan is estimated at up to $11,000.
Sports Minister Kofi Iddie Adams said the Ministry remains committed to the recommendations of the Justice Dzamefe Committee report and the subsequent White Paper, which “clearly stipulate that no state funds should be allocated to mobilize supporters for national team trips abroad.”
Instead, government has launched a fundraising event at the Kempinski Hotel to raise approximately $30 million USD from corporate Ghana.
The funds will cover Ghana’s participation in the World Cup. Any surplus will be dedicated to sports infrastructure development.
Mr. Adams assured Ghanaians that “transparency and accountability will be the guiding principles” in managing all resources mobilized.
He expressed gratitude to corporate partners for their response to the donation appeal.
The Ministry said it will provide comprehensive updates on how funds received are allocated and utilized.
“Let it be understood that the government’s position is not to prevent supporters from attending the World Cup, but to do so responsibly and transparently without using public funds,” the statement added.
