Given the country’s current economic situation, government is unwilling to sponsor supporters abroad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, President Mahama has said.

Citing the nature of this year’s World Cup which is set to be hosted across three different nations, America, Mexico and Canada, President Mahama said it has increased the financial and logistical burden compared to the previous tournaments that was held in a single place.

This he said makes fans sponsorship unsustainable with a staggering cost estimate of nearly $11,000 per supporter, a figure he described as well beyond what the state can responsibly absorb under current economic conditions.

Consequently speaking at a diaspora town hall meeting in London on Sunday, May 31, President Mahama noted that,

"We cannot, you know, spend our money in that manner. The cost approximates for each person to be fed, accommodated, transported, and all that to watch the games, tickets, and all that is estimated at almost $11,000,".

Govt’s new resolve

President Mahama announced an alternative approach where government will procure match tickets and distribute them to Ghanaian communities already based in the host cities, a targeted intervention designed to ensure that diaspora Ghanaians can attend matches without placing an unsustainable burden on the public purse.

"What we are doing is that we are procuring tickets for Ghanaians in the diaspora who want to attend the games. So if you want to attend the game, you will get a ticket to attend the game," he said.

"We have organised our chapters, our Ghanaian citizens in Boston, Philadelphia, and Canada. The tickets that we have purchased, we will give to them to enable them to watch the matches," he added.

The President encouraged Ghanaians abroad who are planning to travel to match venues to connect with recognised community groups and chapters, assuring them that arrangements are in place to ensure fair and organised access to the available tickets.