The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has announced significant budget cuts to the Black Stars’ preparations for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali, saving the state more than $732,000.
The cuts, approved by the Presidency, followed a detailed review of estimates submitted by the Ghana Football Association (GFA). The Ministry explained that while the essential needs of the team—such as travel, accommodation, meals, medical support, and chartered flights—remain fully funded, inflated and non-essential allocations were reduced or removed entirely.
As a result, the final approved budget stands at $856,890 for the away match against Chad and $463,600 for the home fixture against Mali. This compares with the GFA’s initial combined request of $2,053,240, representing a sharp reduction.
Match Day 7: Chad vs Ghana (Away)
- Imprest/Incidental Expenses: Reduced from $60,000 to $20,000 (saving $40,000)
- Facility User Fees: $2,000 removed entirely
- Internal Transport (Fuel): $5,000 removed entirely
- Players’ Bonuses: Reduced from $260,000 to $130,000 (saving $130,000)
- Head Coach Bonus: Reduced from $20,000 to $10,000 (saving $10,000)
- Assistant Coaches’ Bonuses: Reduced from $30,000 to $15,000 (saving $15,000)
- Backroom Staff Block: Reduced from $90,000 to $32,000 (saving $58,000)
- Support Staff (Kits, Welfare, Media, etc.): Reduced from $72,000 to $32,000 (saving $40,000)
- Management Officials (Six): $60,000 allocation removed entirely
Officials’ Accommodation: Reduced from $33,750 to $32,500 (saving $1,250)
Team Meals: Reduced from $21,200 to $20,800 (saving $400)
Officials’ Per Diems: Reduced from $37,800 to $36,400 (saving $1,400)
Imprest/Incidental Expenses: Reduced from $60,000 to $20,000 (saving $40,000)
Vehicle Rental: Reduced from $10,000 to $7,500 (saving $2,500)
Players’ Bonuses: Reduced from $260,000 to $130,000 (saving $130,000)
Head Coach Bonus: Reduced from $20,000 to $10,000 (saving $10,000)
Assistant Coaches’ Bonuses: Reduced from $30,000 to $15,000 (saving $15,000)
Backroom Staff Block: Reduced from $90,000 to $36,000 (saving $54,000)
Support Staff & Services: Reduced from $72,000 to $36,000 (saving $36,000)
Management Officials (Six): $60,000 allocation removed entirely
According to the Ministry, the cuts were guided by the principles of accountability and value for money in the use of public funds. Officials reassured the public that the adjustments would not affect the Black Stars’ performance or welfare.
“The adjustments will ensure that funds are spent responsibly without compromising the performance and welfare of the players,” the Ministry stated.
This move comes against the backdrop of widespread public criticism over inflated budgets and opaque spending practices linked to the national team’s international assignments.
With the leaner budget in place, the Ministry reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the Black Stars are given the best possible support as they aim for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
