The Government of Ghana spent GH¢58 million on the Black Stars’ 2026 World Cup campaign, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has disclosed during the presentation of the Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament.
Dr Forson announced the figure on Thursday, July 23, while outlining expenditure made under programmes and sectors approved in the 2026 national budget.
“To support Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an amount of GH¢58 million has been paid,” he told lawmakers.
The disclosure provides the first official indication of the public funds committed to the senior national team’s return to football’s biggest tournament.
Government Cites Transparency
The Finance Minister said the information was being presented as part of the government’s effort to improve openness in public spending.
“In the spirit of transparency and accountability, allow me to lay before this House a clear account of some of the expenditure we have made so far in support of government programmes and sectors approved in the 2026 Budget.” - Dr Forson
The GH¢58 million allocation covered Ghana’s preparations, participation and logistical arrangements during the competition staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The figure is likely to draw close public scrutiny, particularly from sports stakeholders who have repeatedly demanded clearer breakdowns of expenditure on national teams.
Black Stars Reach Round of 32
Ghana returned to the World Cup under Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz after missing the 2022 tournament.
The Black Stars competed in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama, advancing to the newly introduced Round of 32 in the expanded 48-team competition.
Their campaign ended with a narrow defeat to Colombia, but the team’s performances were widely viewed as stronger than many expected before the tournament.
Ghana eventually placed 24th among the 48 participating countries, marking a respectable comeback on the international stage.
Sports Funding Debate Resurfaces
The Finance Minister did not provide a detailed breakdown of how the GH¢58 million was distributed among travel, accommodation, bonuses, technical preparations and other costs.
That gap may keep the conversation alive.
National team expenditure has often generated debate in Ghana, especially when government funding is announced without a full account of individual spending items.
For supporters, the Black Stars’ return to the World Cup carried national value and restored some pride after the country’s absence in 2022. For critics, the question will be whether the expenditure delivered value for money.
The latest disclosure places a firm figure on the campaign. It also renews pressure for sports authorities and government agencies to publish fuller accounts of how public funds are used whenever Ghana competes at major international tournaments.
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