Ghana’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has disclosed that a comprehensive review of the Black Stars’ operational budget has resulted in savings of close to $700,000, as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The minister made the revelation during a high-level meeting at the Sports Ministry, which was attended by Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang. Also present were Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku, senior officials of the National Sports Authority, and the Chief Director of the Sports Ministry.
According to Kofi Adams, the savings were achieved through a joint effort between the Ministry and the GFA to streamline budgeting and financial release processes for the senior national team.
“We’ve worked together with the FA to make sure that we rationalise our budgeting and release processes, and this in a way has saved close to about $700,000 in two games involving the Black Stars,” the minister stated.
He was quick to stress that the cost-cutting measures did not compromise the welfare of the players or the technical team, noting that preparations and entitlements remained intact despite the reduced expenditure.
“All these have gone a long way to build confidence, and the players did not suffer, and the technical team did not suffer. They continued to receive what is due them even in these savings,” Adams added.
The budget rationalisation forms part of a broader push by the Sports Ministry to enforce fiscal discipline and ensure efficient use of public funds as Ghana gears up for its fourth FIFA World Cup appearance.
The Black Stars have been drawn into a challenging group alongside Portugal, South Korea, and Canada for the 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The successful savings exercise highlights a collaborative approach between the Sports Ministry and the GFA, aimed at streamlining operations while maintaining high standards of support for the national team.
With the World Cup drawing closer, the government believes this financial prudence will contribute to more sustainable, focused, and effective preparations for Ghana’s campaign on the global stage.
