The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has firmly rejected claims that it contributed GHS 12 million to support the Black Stars, describing the reports as false, misleading, and without any factual basis.
The denial comes after widespread assertions on social media suggested that revenue from Ghana’s cocoa sector had been used to sponsor the national football team. In an official statement, COCOBOD categorically dismissed the allegation, insisting that it had not provided any financial support to the Black Stars.
The Board reaffirmed its core mandate of protecting the interests of cocoa farmers across the country. It emphasised its ongoing commitment to ensuring prompt payments to farmers, supplying essential agricultural inputs, delivering extension services, and investing strategically in the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
COCOBOD further stressed that no funds allocated for farmer payments or sector development have been diverted to support the national team. The Board urged the public to disregard unverified claims and rely solely on official communication channels for accurate information. It reiterated that the welfare of cocoa farmers remains its foremost priority, given their central role in sustaining the country’s cocoa sector.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has announced a proposed budget of GHS 146,268,659.80 for Ghana’s participation in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The allocation, equivalent to just under $14 million, is intended to cover tournament-related expenses, including training camps, logistics, player bonuses, technical team remuneration, and other operational costs.
According to the Ministry, the proposed figure represents a full competition budget, contingent on Ghana progressing through all stages of the tournament. A detailed breakdown of expenditures and funding arrangements is expected to be released as preparations intensify.
As part of their preparations, the Black Stars are scheduled to play friendly matches during the March international window against the Germany national football team and the Austria national football team. They will also face the Mexico national football team in May as part of their build-up to the tournament.
Ghana, drawn in Group L, will open their World Cup campaign against the Panama national football team on June 17, before taking on the England national football team on June 23 and concluding the group stage against the Croatia national football team on June 27.
Following successive group-stage exits in recent tournaments, the Black Stars are aiming to deliver an improved performance at the global showpiece, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
