Sports Ministry Approves $860,000 Budget for Black Stars’ World Cup Qualifier Against Chad

Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has announced the approval of an $860,000 budget to cover the Black Stars’ upcoming World Cup qualifying match against Chad in N’Djamena.

The disclosure comes after weeks of public pressure on the Minister, who has faced criticism for not revealing financial details of Ghana’s recent national team assignments, despite President John Mahama’s directive in February that all such budgets be made public.

Addressing the media before the crucial  fixture, Kofi Adams explained that his ministry carefully vets financial requests submitted by the Ghana Football Association before granting approval.

“The estimate submitted for Match Day 7 was over $1 million,” he revealed.

“After review, the Ministry approved about $860k. The ticket for players and officials, we have a flat unit for all players and officials, but some spend more, while others spend less.”

He further clarified that the ministry has introduced cost-saving measures in relation to flight arrangements:

“The flat amount was $6,000 per ticket for all 28 players and officials. Flight tickets presented to the Sports Ministry are always higher than what is required. The Ministry, since I took over, has reviewed and even used alternative means to buy the tickets.”

Meanwhile, Otto Addo’s squad has already departed for Chad ahead of the encounter scheduled for September 4 at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno. The team will return to Accra to host Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 8.