The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has denied that the government was planning to use public funds to finance Ghanaian fans to attend the 2019 FIFA World Cup, calling such accusations an intentional distortion of reality.
The Ministry emphasised in a statement that President John Dramani Mahama and Mr. Kofi Iddie Adams, Minister for Sports and Recreation, have repeatedly denied using public funds to pay for supporters’ travel expenses to the competition.
The Ministry states that the government’s stance is influenced by the exorbitant expense of sponsoring supporters, which is believed to be around $11,000 per fan, as well as the necessity of allocating scarce resources to Ghana’s sports infrastructure and economic growth.
According to the statement, the Ministry has continued to adhere to the Justice Dzamefe Committee Report’s and the government White Paper’s recommendations, which forbid using public funds to organise supporters for overseas national team assignments.
The statement highlighted that “the Ministry’s actions have always aligned with these directives, ensuring that taxpayer money is protected and used responsibly.”
The Ministry stated that the government has chosen a private sector-led strategy to promote Ghana’s participation in the World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, rather than depending on public expenditures.
It explained that a fundraising effort was started at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra in response to President Mahama’s order to rally assistance from Ghanaian corporations.
The project aims to earn about $30 million to help Ghana compete in the world football championship.
The Ministry claims that any money left over after tournament-related costs are covered will be used to enhance sports infrastructure nationwide.
Ghanaians were reassured by the Minister, Mr. Kofi Iddie Adams, that any resources raised under the initiative would be managed with accountability and openness.
Additionally, he conveyed gratitude to businesses who have responded favourably to the government’s request for assistance.
Additionally, the Ministry promised to give thorough reports on the receipt and use of all corporate partner donations at the proper time.
It emphasised that while the government is not against fans travelling to support their country’s team at the World Cup, it does demand that such involvement be handled properly, openly, and without using public funds.
The government’s commitment to assisting the national team through collaborations with the corporate sector and responsible financial management was reiterated in the statement.
Source: newsthemegh.com