Presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party, Kwabena Agyepong, has backed the Sports and Recreation Minister’s move to announce the budget for the senior national team ahead of Ghana’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali this week.

The Minister, Kofi Adams, speaking to the press on Tuesday, September 2, announced a huge cut of the Black Stars’ budget proposed by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to realize significant savings.

The move follows a directive from President John Mahama to ensure transparency and fiscal prudence in national team expenditure.

The Minister revealed that the final approved budget for the two games stands at $1,320,490, down from the GFA’s initial request of $2,053,240. This represents a total savings of US$732,750.

“I think it's in line with transparency. I always believe in transparent governance, so I don't have a problem with that, " he told Luv Sports.

"I have served as Black Satellites management committee member and Black Starlets management committee member.

"We didn't use to take any allowances. We did it from our hearts because we felt a sense of pride just serving our nation. I don't feel that has a big issue. I don't want us to place too much emphasis on money."

Mr. Agyepong encouraged the coaches and players to regard representing their country as a significant career opportunity, rather than prioritizing monetary rewards.

“It's an opportunity for them to showcase themselves. Soccer has become big business now, and most of them are earning quite well, and they should see this opportunity to appear for their country as a shot in their arm, add to their CV, and appreciate their value as football players."

Otto Addo’s men will play against Chad on September 4, 2025, and against Mali on September 8, 2025 in Accra.

The 22 Ghanaian players arrived in N'Djamena on Tuesday evening ahead of the game against Chad. Ghana need to win to consolidate their top spot in Group I, having won five games in six.