Sports Minister announces drastic cuts in Black Stars’ budget for Chad, Mali games
The Ministry of Sports and Recreation (MoSR) has announced a significant cut in the Black Stars’ budget submitted by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for the team’s upcoming double-header 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Chad and Mali.
The Black Stars will play as guest of Chad today in N’Djamena before hosting The Eagles of Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8.
Ahead of the two games, the GFA submitted a budget of $2,053,240 for the organisation, preparation of the team and payment of per diems and bonuses.
But addressing a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, the sector Minister, Mr Kofi Adams, disclosed that the ministry has slashed an amount of $732,750.00 from the amount submitted by the FA.
This, he asserted, followed a directive from the President, John Mahama, to ensure fiscal discipline, and responsible spending on the national teams.
Providing full clarity on the financial processes involved, Mr Adams disclosed that the GFA submitted an estimated budget of $2,053,240 for the two games.
This included all logistical, technical, and financial provisions for the team’s travel, accommodation, training, and bonuses.
“The Ministry then subjected the estimates to a detailed internal review and identified line items that required adjustment, clarification, and removal, guided by government’s current fiscal posture and the need for prudent spending.”
The estimates were then forwarded to the Presidency for further vetting, consideration, and final approval, as there was no dedicated budget line at the Ministry for national team participation.
“For the away game in Chad, we received an estimate of $1,239,090 which was reduced to $856,890, saving the taxpayer $382,200.”
Explaining further, he disclosed that the chartered flight cost $300,000, per diem, per day for players was $150, while the per diem per day for technical staff and officials was $200, incidental expenses was $20,000, bonus for players was reduced from $10,000 to $5,000, while bonus for the Head Coach was reduced from $20,000 to $10,000.
Additionally, the bonus for the assistant coaches was reduced from $10,000 to $5,000, those of the team doctor, physiotherapist, video analyst, and psychologist were reduced from $10,000 to $4,000, with the kit officers, media officer, masseur, welfare officer, and dietician taking $4,000 instead of $8,000 with the $10,000 bonus for management officials cancelled.
Moreover, he noted that the imprest for the game was reduced from $60,000 to $20,000, while facility user fees of $2,000 and internal transport (fuel) of $5,000 were removed.
On the Mali game, Mr Adams indicated that an estimated budget of $814,150, was presented but was cut down to $463,600, saving $350,550.
“For the Mali game, same procedure was applied as in the case of the Chad game. However, an amount of $4,000 for five days was this time approved for the seven match officials (four referees, match commissioner, referee assessor, and security officer) appointed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for the game.”
Also, a bus and a saloon car will be made available for the Malian team and its leader.
The sector minister further revealed that the GFA informed his outfit of the players’ willingness to accept the $5,000 per match winning bonus for now, with the remaining $5,000 to be paid cumulatively if the team qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“All monies will be paid in Cedi equivalent to the accounts of all personnel in Ghana; what is paid in dollars is per diems for away matches only.”
Mr Adams thanked the GFA for the cooperation and understanding of the government’s prudent approach, as well as the players and technical team who continue to serve the nation under these disciplined guidelines.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
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