President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government will not sponsor the travel of supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to prevent unnecessary pressure on the already strained public purse.

Speaking at the Ghana World Cup fundraising campaign on Friday, March 20, at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra, the President noted that the decision has been informed by recommendations from the Dzamefe Report, which advised the government to discontinue sponsoring fans to such tournamnets using taxpayers' money.

“In consonance with the Dzamefe Report, the government has no plans to allocate public funds to fly supporters to the World Cup,” he said.

It was an investigative report prepared by the Commission of Inquiry, chaired by Justice Senyo Dzamefe, set up in July 2014 by President John Mahama. Its purpose was to examine the scandals that unfolded during the tournament and recommend reforms for Ghana’s football administration.

The President explained that not even a handful of supporters can be sponsored, citing that flying and accommodating just 200 supporters could cost close to $2 million, which would heavily impact the government’s purse.

“The logistical support required to fly and accommodate even just 200 supporters is staggering,” he added, while acknowledging the importance of boosting the Black Stars’ morale during the tournament. However, he said the government must prioritise the prudent use of public resources.

“We all want to see our fans in the stands, but we must be responsible in how we use public resources,” he added, stressing the need to channel funds into critical areas such as job creation.

The decision means that supporters who wish to travel to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will have to rely on private funding, sponsorships, or other fundraising efforts.

Sports Minister’s earlier remarks on the government’s sponsorship

Sports Minister, Kofi Adams, announced a new twist in supporters' sponsorship by the government for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana sealed their place at the 2026 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Comoros in their final Group I qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 12, marking the country’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest tournament, which will be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Past governments have mostly offered some form of financial support, be it full or partial, for supporters who travel to attend the World Cup. However, it has become a challenge over the years due to financial constraints.

Consequently, in early November last year, Kofi Adams noted that, although it has been a long-standing practice, he “doesn’t recommend” it.

However, in a radio interview on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show in Accra on February 5, he acknowledged the tradition of sponsoring fans to support the Black Stars, adding that it is for that reason that his outfit has set up a fundraising committee.

“The policy that we should take for fans is clear. We should work at it, and that is why we have set up a fundraising committee. The number we would take ultimately will depend on how much we raise,” he stated.

He explained that the government seeks to sponsor some Ghanaian fans for the 2026 World Cup so Ghana will have strong support at the tournament.

The government believes Ghana should not only be represented by its team but also by its fans. However, he detailed that the number of supporters will be heavily dependent on the funds available to the government.

He continued that, as part of the fundraising committee’s task, is to raise resources to cover travel and accommodation for supporters who will journey to back the Black Stars at the tournament.

He acknowledged, however, that the plan requires significant financial backing, prompting the government to appeal to the private sector and the general public for support.

“This is why we are appealing to corporate bodies, companies, mining firms and well-meaning individuals to come on board and support this initiative,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Adams explained his objection to the government funding supporters to the World Cup, citing the need for the government to prioritise investment in the country’s sports infrastructure instead of spending it on fan sponsorship.

“We are in a period of austerity. We need money to build sports infrastructure in Ghana. If we are going to spend money to transport supporters all the way to America, that same amount can build five multipurpose parks in some communities,” he stated.

While confirming that government funding is off the table, Mr Adams encouraged individuals and corporate organisations to step in.

“I believe there are a lot of Ghanaians in those areas. Anyone who wants to go should find their own resources; we can facilitate their travel documents. Or we can mobilise support from corporate bodies — both private and public, to assist the fans.

“Government can collaborate with corporations to support, which would be a good idea, but putting government money into the budget to take supporters, I don’t think so,” he added.

In a related development, reviewing and rationalising the Black Stars’ budget has saved the country about $700,000, the Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Adams, has said.

According to him, the savings come after a directive from President Mahama that the budget for the national team be made public ahead of the resumption of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

In compliance, the Buem Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) made it public after the Black Stars’ recent doubleheader against Chad.

The decision by the Buem Member of Parliament drew criticism from sections of the football fraternity, who questioned the disclosure of the team’s financial details.

However, speaking to the media after Vice President Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang paid a working visit to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, Mr Adams defended the policy, describing it as prudent and beneficial.

“We worked closely with the FA to rationalise the budgeting and disbursement processes, and this has saved close to $700,000 across two Black Stars matches,” he said.

Mr Adams stressed that the cost-cutting measures did not negatively affect the team, noting that players and the technical staff received all their entitlements.

“These measures have gone a long way to build confidence. The players did not suffer, and the technical team did not suffer. They continued to receive what was due them, even with the savings,” he added.

The Vice President’s visit saw the presence of Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku, Deputy Directors of the National Sports Authority, Veronica Commey and Gideon Hammond, as well as Sports Ministry Chief Director Wilhelmina Asamoah.