The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has announced significant savings on the Black Stars’ budget for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, following a directive from President John Mahama to ensure transparency and fiscal prudence in national team expenditure.

Sports Minister Kofi Adams, addressing the media in Accra on Tuesday, disclosed that the final approved budget for Matchday 7 against Chad on September 4, 2025, and Matchday 8 against Mali on September 8, 2025, stands at $1,320,490, down from the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) initial request of $2,053,240.

This represents a total savings of US$732,750. According to the Minister, the budgeting process followed four key stages:

The GFA provided its budget covering travel, accommodation, bonuses, training, and logistics. Each line items were adjusted in line with government’s fiscal stance, before the Office of the President vetted and approved the reviewed budget since national team funding has no dedicated budget line at the Ministry.

The Presidency granted clearance, enabling the Ministry of Finance to release funds.

Matchday 7: Chad vs Ghana (Away)

The GFA’s estimated about $1,239,090 but government approved $856,890 for the match, saving the tax payer $382,200

Key funded items included player and official travel ($168,000), a chartered flight to N’djamena ($300,000), accommodation and meals in both Accra and Chad, and medical expenses ($10,000).

The savings came mainly from rducing imprest from $60,000 to $20,000, scrapping facility user fees ($2,000) and internal transport costs ($5,000).

For players bonuses, they will now receive $5,000 per win, with the balance to be paid if Ghana qualifies for the 2026 World Cup. This cut bonus costs from $260,000 to $130,000.

Similar reductions were applied to the head coach ($20,000 → $10,000), assistant coaches ($30,000 → $15,000), backroom staff, support staff, and management officials, saving $313,000 in total.

For the Matchday 8 against Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8, 2025, the GFA estimated $814,150, and $463,600 was approved.

Government saved $350,550 from the match alone.

Fully funded items included players’ accommodation ($32,500), per diems ($27,300), medical expenses ($10,000), as well as all match officials’ packages (travel, accommodation, meals, and indemnity).

Imprest was cut from $60,000 to $20,000.

Adjusting officials’ accommodation, meals, and per diems, saving over $3,000.

Rationalising transport costs ($10,000 → $7,500).

Restructuring bonuses using the same formula as in Matchday 7, reducing players’ bonuses from $260,000 to $130,000, alongside significant cuts for coaches, backroom staff, and management officials, saving a combined $310,000.

Minister Kofi Adams described the exercise as proof of government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline.

“Across both match windows, we have realised total savings of $732,750. This demonstrates government’s resolve to protect taxpayers while ensuring that the essentials required for the Black Stars to perform are fully funded,” he said.

He also praised the GFA’s cooperation and acknowledged the players’ willingness to align their winning bonuses with Ghana’s economic realities.

“The Ministry will continue to work with the GFA to further align national team budgeting to the realities of our national economy,” the Minister added.