The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has announced major cost savings on the Black Stars’ budget for the September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali.

The move follows a directive from President John Mahama aimed at ensuring transparency and prudent use of public funds in financing national teams.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, Sports Minister Kofi Adams revealed that the government had approved a total budget of $1,320,490 for the two fixtures down from the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) initial proposal of $2,053,240, the adjustment resulting in overall savings of $732,750.

The Budgeting Process

Kofi Adams explained that the budgeting process went through four stages:

- The GFA submitted its estimates covering travel, accommodation, bonuses, training, and logistics.

- The Ministry reviewed and adjusted the items to align with government’s fiscal policy.

The Presidency vetted and approved the revised budget.

Clearance was issued for the Ministry of Finance to release funds.

Matchday 7: Chad vs Ghana (Away)

For the September 4 away game in N’Djamena, the GFA had requested $1,239,090, but government approved $856,890, saving taxpayers $382,200.

Funded items include:

- Player and official travel – $168,000

- Chartered flight – $300,000

- Accommodation and meals in Accra and Chad, medical expenses – $10,000

Key savings came from:

- Reducing imprest from $60,000 to $20,000

- Scrapping facility user fees ($2,000) and internal transport costs ($5,000)

- Halving player bonuses from $260,000 to $130,000, with the balance to be paid only if Ghana qualifies for the World Cup

- Cutting allowances for coaches, backroom staff, and management officials, saving $313,000

Matchday 8: Ghana vs Mali (Home For the September 8 match in Accra, the GFA requested $814,150, but government approved $463,600, achieving savings of $350,550.

Funded items include:

- Players’ accommodation – $32,500

- Per diems – $27,300

- Medical expenses – $10,000

Full packages for match officials (travel, meals, accommodation, indemnity)

Savings were achieved by:

- Cutting imprest from $60,000 to $20,000

- Reducing internal transport ($10,000 → $7,500)

- Adjusting accommodation and meals for officials

- Halving players’ bonuses to $130,000, with corresponding cuts to technical and management staff allowances (saving $310,000)

Government’s Position

Minister Adams said the exercise reflects government’s commitment to accountability and value-for-money spending.

“Across both match windows, we have realised total savings of $732,750. This demonstrates our resolve to protect taxpayers while still providing the essentials needed for the Black Stars to deliver,” he stated.

He commended the GFA for its cooperation and praised the players for agreeing to revised bonus structures that reflect the country’s economic situation.

“The Ministry will continue to collaborate with the GFA to ensure that national team budgets are realistic and in line with Ghana’s fiscal priorities,” Adams added.