Ghanaian government World Cup expenditure scrutiny

Ghana’s Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Adams, disclosed that the government spent approximately $1.26 million to procure 2,922 tickets for the Black Stars’ group-stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The expenditure, averaging roughly $431 per ticket, was intended for stakeholders such as the Ghana Supporters Union and government delegations. While Ghana expects to receive $12.5 million from FIFA to support the newly established Ghana Sports Fund, the Minority in Parliament has demanded a full breakdown of the GH¢58.9 million spent on overall participation.

Following these disclosures, the Minority in Parliament has challenged the government regarding the return of 431 sponsored individuals. Vincent Ekow Assafuah, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, identified specific staff members who allegedly remain in the United States despite claims that all travelers have returned.

Parliamentary scrutiny has also expanded to include allegations of excessive expenditures during the tournament, specifically citing reported payments to a purse holder, chefs, caterers, and security personnel. The Minority argues these costs appear disproportionate to the length of the team’s stay in North America.