The Ministry of Youth and Sports has announced significant savings on the Black Stars’ budget for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, following President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to ensure transparency and fiscal prudence in the management of national team expenditure.
Addressing journalists in Accra on Tuesday, Sports Minister Kofi Adams disclosed that the final approved budget for Ghana’s Matchday 7 clash with Chad on September 4, 2025, and the Matchday 8 encounter with Mali on September 8, 2025, stands at $1,320,490—a sharp reduction from the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) initial request of $2,053,240.
This represents a total savings of $732,750.
The minister explained that the budget process went through four key stages:
- The GFA submitted its initial request covering travel, accommodation, bonuses, training, and logistics.
- The Ministry reviewed and adjusted the figures in line with the government’s fiscal stance.
- The Office of the President vetted the revised figures, since national team funding has no dedicated budget line.
- Final approval was granted by the Presidency, allowing the Ministry of Finance to release funds.
Matchday 7: Chad vs Ghana (Away)
- GFA request: $1,239,090
- Gov’t approved: $856,890
- Savings: $382,200
Funded items included player and official travel ($168,000), a chartered flight to N’Djamena ($300,000), accommodation and meals, and medical expenses ($10,000).
Savings were achieved by:
- Cutting imprest from $60,000 to $20,000
- Scrapping facility user fees ($2,000) and internal transport costs ($5,000)
- Restructuring bonuses: players will now receive $5,000 per win, with the balance payable only if Ghana qualifies for the World Cup—reducing player bonuses from $260,000 to $130,000.
- Similar cuts for the technical and backroom staff, saving an additional $313,000.
Matchday 8: Ghana vs Mali (Home)
- GFA request: $814,150
- Gov’t approved: $463,600
- Savings: $350,550
Funded items included player accommodation ($32,500), per diems ($27,300), medical expenses ($10,000), and all packages for match officials.
Savings were made by:
- Cutting imprest from $60,000 to $20,000
- Adjusting officials’ accommodation, meals, and per diems (saving $3,000)
- Rationalising transport costs ($10,000 → $7,500)
- Applying the same bonus restructuring formula as in Matchday 7, halving player bonuses from $260,000 to $130,000, while reducing allowances for coaches, support staff, and management officials—saving $310,000.
Minister Kofi Adams hailed the exercise as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline without compromising team performance.
“Across both match windows, we have realised total savings of $732,750. This demonstrates the government’s resolve to protect taxpayers while ensuring that the essentials required for the Black Stars to perform are fully funded,” he stated.
He commended the GFA’s cooperation and acknowledged the players’ willingness to align their bonuses with Ghana’s economic situation.
“The Ministry will continue to work with the GFA to further align national team budgeting with the realities of our national economy,” the Minister added.
The Black Stars face Chad away on September 4 before hosting Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 8 as part of the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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