Sports Minister reduces Black Stars’ World Cup qualifier budget from $2m to $1.3m
The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has disclosed that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) initially requested $2 million to fund the Black Stars’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Chad and Mali, but the government approved $1.3 million instead.
Addressing a press briefing on Tuesday, September 2, the minister explained that the cut was part of efforts to reduce costs while ensuring the team’s preparations remain unaffected.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem the following day, Mr. Adams revealed that the decision followed earlier discussions with the GFA on trimming certain allowances.
“The GFA presented an estimated budget of $2 million for the games, but government approved $1.3 million. We had a meeting in February when I took office, and I told the GFA there are some things government cannot pay again — such as the winning bonus for Black Stars Management Committee members and other things. That is exactly what we have done as a ministry and as a government,” he explained.
The minister emphasized that the adjustment would not negatively impact the players’ performance.
“I don’t believe that the decision to cut down the budget presented by the GFA will affect the performance of the team. These are professional players, and so there is no need to be worried,” he assured.
Ghana are currently in Chad for their Matchday 7 fixture on Thursday, September 4, before hosting Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8. The Black Stars sit atop Group I with 15 points from six matches, strengthening their chances of securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
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