The government will not use public funds to sponsor supporters who travel to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, which has called previous allegations to the contrary a purposeful misrepresentation of the facts.
The Ministry said in a statement released on June 18 that President John Dramani Mahama and the Ministry have repeatedly rejected the use of public funds for that purpose, citing the high cost—up to $11,000 per fan—and the necessity of giving domestic economic development and sports infrastructure top priority.
The Ministry stated that their stance is in line with the Justice Dzamefe Committee report’s recommendations and the White Paper that followed, which expressly declare that no public monies should be used to organise fans for international tours by the national team.
Instead, the government has started a fundraising campaign driven by the business sector in accordance with the President’s orders.
A $30 million fundraising event was conducted at the Kempinski Hotel to support Ghana’s World Cup participation in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. After paying for necessary costs, any money left over will go toward building sporting facilities.
Ghanaians were reassured by Mr. Adams that the resources mobilised will be managed in a transparent and accountable manner.
He thanked corporate Ghana for their kind reaction to the contribution plea.
According to the Ministry, thorough updates on the distribution and use of funds received from corporate partners will be given when they become available.
The statement stressed that the government’s stance is to allow supporters to attend the World Cup in a responsible and transparent manner without using public funds, rather than to forbid them from doing so.
Statement Below:
Source: newsthemegh.com