The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has shot down speculation surrounding the sponsorship of supporters to the World Cup.

Widely circulated claims suggest that supporters' travel to the tournament will be funded with taxpayers' money. However, responding to these claims, the Head of Public Relations at the Ministry, Bagbara Tanko, in a statement issued on behalf of Sports Minister Kofi Adams, clarified that the government remains committed to protecting the public purse and described the reports as misleading.

“The Ministry of Sports wishes to clarify recent misconceptions regarding the sponsorship of supporters for the upcoming World Cup. It has come to our attention that there has been a deliberate distortion of information suggesting that the government is using state funds to pay for supporter trips to the tournament.

We want to state unequivocally that H.E. President John Dramani Mahama and the Ministry of Sports have consistently and explicitly ruled out the use of public funds to sponsor supporters. This stance is rooted in sound economic considerations, given the high costs estimated at up to $11,000 per fan and the need to prioritise Ghana's domestic economic development and sports infrastructure,” parts of the statement read.

The statement further referred to the government's commitment to the Justice Dzamefe Committee Report and the subsequent White Paper.

The committee, chaired by Justice Senyo Dzamefe, was established in July 2014 by then-President John Mahama to investigate the controversies that emerged during Ghana's participation in the FIFA World Cup and to recommend reforms for football administration.

The White Paper outlines the government's response to the committee's recommendations and indicates which recommendations would be adopted and implemented.

“From the outset, Hon. Kofi Adams has demonstrated a firm commitment to upholding the recommendations of the Justice Dzamefe Committee Report and the subsequent White Paper. These documents clearly stipulate that no state funds should be allocated to mobilise supporters for national team trips abroad. The Ministry's actions have always aligned with these directives, ensuring that taxpayer money is protected and used responsibly,” the statement continued.

Govt resolves not to use taxpayers' money for fan sponsorship

The Ministry explained that “Following the directives of His Excellency President Mahama, the government has instead taken proactive steps to involve Corporate Ghana in supporting our national team. A fundraising event was launched at the Kempinski Hotel, setting a clear tone for private sector-led support.”

Government targets $30 million to support Black Stars' World Cup campaign and sports development

The Ministry further reiterated that funds raised through the initiative would not be used solely for the World Cup. Any surplus would be invested in sports infrastructure and development across the country, while transparency and accountability would remain central to the management of the funds.

“The goal is to raise approximately $30 million USD, which will be used to fund Ghana's participation in the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Should there be any surplus funds after covering essential expenses, these will be dedicated to sports infrastructure development, in line with national priorities. Hon. Kofi Iddie Adams has assured all Ghanaians that transparency and accountability will be the guiding principles in managing all resources mobilised for this initiative,” the statement added.

“The government's position is not to prevent supporters from attending the World Cup, but to ensure that such participation is facilitated responsibly and without burdening the taxpayer,” the statement noted.

The Ministry expressed appreciation to Corporate Ghana for supporting the initiative and reaffirmed its commitment to backing the Black Stars through private-sector partnerships and prudent financial management.

“He also expressed gratitude to Corporate Ghana for its generous response to the government's appeal for donations towards this worthy cause. The Ministry will, at the appropriate time, provide comprehensive updates on how funds received from corporate partners are allocated and utilised.

Let it be understood that the government's position is not to prevent supporters from attending the World Cup, but to do so responsibly and transparently without using public funds. We remain committed to supporting our national team through private-sector partnerships and prudent management of resources,” the statement concluded.