GFA Confirms No Government Funding for Black Stars’ Asia Tour – Henry Asante Twum

The Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, has disclosed that the government is not providing financial support for the Black Stars’ ongoing Asia Tour ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations.

The national team is currently in Asia to participate in two international friendlies — the first against Japan in the Kirin Challenge Cup on Friday, followed by another fixture against South Korea four days later.

Speaking on Asempa FM, Asante Twum explained that the cost of organizing the two matches is being covered entirely by the host nations, with no funding assistance from Ghana’s Ministry of Youth and Sports.

“The games will be funded by the two teams that invited the Black Stars; we didn’t take any money from the ministry,” he said.

He further clarified that although the GFA President had officially informed the sector minister about the tour, the ministry only granted approval without providing financial support.

“Even though I know the GFA President has informed the sector minister of these two matches, there is no funding from their end. They gave us their blessing to go ahead with the games, but with no funding,” he added.

When asked about player incentives, Asante Twum confirmed that the team will not receive any winning bonuses during the tour, but rather a per diem agreed upon between the GFA and the players.

“Yes, there will be no winning bonuses; it will just be the per diem agreed between the GFA and the players,” he clarified.

The tour forms part of Ghana’s broader 2026 FIFA World Cup build-up, giving head coach Otto Addo an opportunity to assess new players and strengthen the team’s tactical setup ahead of the qualifiers.