President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to introduce full transparency in the funding of Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, ensuring that all financial allocations are made public.
Speaking during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, Mahama stated that his administration will end the secrecy surrounding government expenditure on the national teams, particularly the Black Stars.
“There will be no secrecy in how much the government spends on the national teams,” he declared. “The budgets presented by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and other sports associations must be made public. After all, it is the taxpayer’s funds that are used to support these activities.”
Mahama’s announcement comes ahead of the Black Stars’ crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying matches next month. He revealed that he has instructed his office and the Minister for Sports and Recreation to review the budget submitted by the GFA to ensure accountability and value for money.
“The Ghana Football Association must be accountable to the people of Ghana as we prepare for these matches, especially regarding the budget they have presented,” he emphasized.
In recent years, the lack of transparency in national team budgets has been a subject of controversy, with reports of bloated expenditure on bonuses, travel costs, and accommodation for players and officials. Mahama’s directive is expected to restore public confidence in the management of the country’s football finances.
The president also revealed plans for a comprehensive overhaul of Ghana’s sports sector, including a review of the Sports Act of 2016 and stricter enforcement of financial regulations for sports organizations.
“We will develop a new National Sports Policy that aligns with international best practices, ensuring better governance, accountability, and sustainable funding for all sporting disciplines,” he stated.
Sports analysts and football fans have welcomed Mahama’s commitment to transparency and accountability, arguing that public disclosure of national team budgets will help prevent financial mismanagement and unnecessary expenditures.
“This is a step in the right direction,” said Kwesi Appiah, a sports economist. “For too long, Ghanaian taxpayers have funded the Black Stars without knowing exactly how their money is being spent. Transparency will improve trust and efficiency.”
As the Black Stars gear up for their World Cup qualifiers, the nation will be watching closely to see how Mahama’s transparency directive is implemented.
