Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams says Ghana has saved about $700,000 following a review of the Black Stars’ budget.
The savings come after President John Mahama directed that the senior national team’s budget should no longer be kept confidential ahead of the resumption of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. In line with the directive, Mr Adams made public the budget for the Black Stars’ recent doubleheader against Chad.
The decision by the Buem Member of Parliament drew criticism from sections of the football fraternity, who questioned the disclosure of the team’s financial details.
However, speaking to the media after Vice President Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang paid a working visit to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, Mr Adams defended the policy, describing it as prudent and beneficial.
“We worked closely with the FA to rationalise the budgeting and disbursement processes, and this has saved close to $700,000 across two Black Stars matches,” he said.
Mr Adams stressed that the cost-cutting measures did not negatively affect the team, noting that players and the technical staff received all their entitlements.
“These measures have gone a long way to build confidence. The players did not suffer, and the technical team did not suffer. They continued to receive what was due them, even with the savings,” he added.
Those present during the Vice President’s visit included Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku, Deputy Directors of the National Sports Authority Veronica Commey and Gideon Hammond, as well as Sports Ministry Chief Director Wilhelmina Asamoah.
Meanwhile, the Black Stars are expected to regroup in March for international friendlies against Austria and Germany.
