The Ministry of Youth and Sports has announced major budget cuts for the Black Stars’ upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Chad and Mali. The move trims more than $732,000 from initial estimates submitted by the Ghana Football Association (GFA), following a detailed review and approval from the Presidency.
The final budget stands at $856,890 for the Chad game and $463,600 for the Mali fixture, compared to the GFA’s original combined request of $2,053,240.
Key Reductions in Black Stars Budget
While essential costs—such as travel, accommodation, meals, medical care, and charter flights—remain fully funded, the Ministry slashed or removed non-essential allocations:
Match Day 7: Chad vs Ghana (Away)
- Imprest/Incidental Expenses: Reduced from $60,000 to $20,000 (saving $40,000)
- Facility User Fees: $2,000 removed entirely
- Internal Transport (Fuel): $5,000 removed entirely
- Players’ Bonuses: Reduced from $260,000 to $130,000 (saving $130,000)
- Head Coach Bonus: Cut from $20,000 to $10,000 (saving $10,000)
- Assistant Coaches’ Bonuses: Cut from $30,000 to $15,000 (saving $15,000)
- Backroom Staff Block: Reduced from $90,000 to $32,000 (saving $58,000)
- Support Staff (Kits, Welfare, Media, etc.): Reduced from $72,000 to $32,000 (saving $40,000)
- Management Officials (Six): $60,000 allocation removed entirely
Match Day 8: Ghana vs Mali (Home)
- Officials’ Accommodation: Reduced from $33,750 to $32,500 (saving $1,250)
- Team Meals: Reduced from $21,200 to $20,800 (saving $400)
- Officials’ Per Diems: Reduced from $37,800 to $36,400 (saving $1,400)
- Imprest/Incidental Expenses: Reduced from $60,000 to $20,000 (saving $40,000)
- Vehicle Rental: Reduced from $10,000 to $7,500 (saving $2,500)
- Players’ Bonuses: Reduced from $260,000 to $130,000 (saving $130,000)
- Head Coach Bonus: Cut from $20,000 to $10,000 (saving $10,000)
- Assistant Coaches’ Bonuses: Cut from $30,000 to $15,000 (saving $15,000)
- Backroom Staff Block: Reduced from $90,000 to $36,000 (saving $54,000)
- Support Staff & Services: Reduced from $72,000 to $36,000 (saving $36,000)
- Management Officials (Six): $60,000 allocation removed entirely
Ministry’s Justification
The Ministry emphasized that the cuts are aimed at promoting accountability and value for money in the use of public funds.
“The adjustments will ensure that funds are spent responsibly without compromising the performance and welfare of the players,” officials stated.
Despite the reductions, the government reassured Ghanaians that the Black Stars will receive all necessary support in their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Public Reaction
The decision comes after years of criticism over inflated budgets and lack of transparency in the management of Ghana’s national football team. Many observers see the cuts as a step toward restoring public confidence and ensuring efficient use of taxpayer money.
