The Sports and Recreation Ministry has slashed the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) estimated budget for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali, reducing it from $2 million to $1.3 million.

The Member of Parliament, who has been under scrutiny for not disclosing budgets for Ghana’s assignments since President John Mahama publicly directed him to do so in February, earlier insisted he was “not hiding it.”

With just two days to go before the Black Stars’ Match Day 7 clash with Chad, Adams addressed the press and revealed that his administration reviews estimated budgets and removes certain items from the list, including for the imminent fixture.

“The estimate submitted for Match Day 7 (Chad game only) was over $1 million,” he said.

“After review, the Ministry approved about $860k. The ticket for players and officials,  we have a flat unit for all players and officials, but some spend more, while others spend less.

“The flat amount was $6,000 per ticket for all 28 players and officials. Flight tickets presented to the Sports Ministry are always higher than what is required. The Ministry, since I took over, has reviewed and even used alternative means to buy the tickets.

Otto Addo’s men have left for N’Djamena to face Chad at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno on September 4, before returning home to host Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 8.