2023 AFCON: GFA, Govt budgeted $8.5m for Black Stars
Kurt Okraku [L] and Mustapha Ussif [R]
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and government agreed on $8.5 million (GH¢105 million) as Black Stars budget for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
The Black Stars aimed to break a 42-year trophy drought during their participation in the 34th edition of AFCON held in Ivory Coast but faced disappointment as they exited at the group phase with only two points from three games.
Ahead of the tournament, Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif failed to disclosed the budget for the team, drawing criticism from football enthusiasts, analysts, and taxpayers alike.
But, Mr. Okudzeto Ablakwa, in a recent post on X, revealed that both the country’s football governing body and the government had mutually agreed on the earmarked amount for the tournament.
He emphasized that the disclosed $8.5 million is distinct from the $1.5 million spent on the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.
THE SECRET IS OUT; THE WAIT IS OVER — GOVT & GFA AGREED ON A BLACK STARS AFCON BUDGET OF AN ASTONISHING US$8.5MILLION (GHS105MILLION) I promised in my publication last week on the staggering GHS27.9million taxpayers spent on the Black Stars between 2022 and 2023, that I shall… pic.twitter.com/4005pvDngk— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) January 29, 2024
Following the team’s elimination, Chris Hughton was sacked with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) instituting a five-member committee to recommend a new coach for the Executive Council.
The deadline for submission for the vacant coaching role has been scheduled for February 2.
READ ALSO