No taxpayer money for fans’ World Cup trips — Sports Ministry clarifies sponsorship plans
The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has dismissed claims that government funds are being used to sponsor supporters to attend the FIFA World Cup, describing such reports as misleading and inaccurate.
In a statement issued on June 18, 2026, the Ministry stressed that neither President John Dramani Mahama nor the government has approved the use of public funds to finance supporter travel to the tournament.
According to the Ministry, the decision is based on prudent economic considerations, noting that the estimated cost of sponsoring a single supporter could reach $11,000.
The statement further indicated that Sports Minister Kofi Adams remains committed to implementing recommendations contained in the Justice Dzamefe Committee Report and its accompanying White Paper, both of which prohibit the use of state resources to mobilise supporters for national team assignments abroad.
Instead, the government has turned to the private sector to support Ghana’s World Cup campaign. A fundraising initiative launched at the Kempinski Hotel aimed to raise about $30 million to finance Ghana’s participation in the tournament, being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Ministry explained that any excess funds generated from the exercise would be channelled into sports infrastructure development across the country.
Mr Adams also assured Ghanaians that all funds raised would be managed with transparency and accountability, adding that detailed reports on donations and expenditures would be made public at the appropriate time.
“The government’s position is not to prevent supporters from attending the World Cup, but to ensure that such participation is facilitated responsibly and without burdening the taxpayer,” the statement noted.
The Ministry expressed appreciation to corporate Ghana for supporting the initiative and reaffirmed its commitment to backing the Black Stars through private-sector partnerships and prudent financial management.
