The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has clarified that financial matters related to the Black Stars are managed by the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, not the GFA, which is not responsible for budgeting or expenditure.
The FA issued its statement in response to President John Dramani Mahama’s remarks during his first State of the Nation Address on Thursday, where he expressed concerns over Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and emphasized the need for greater transparency in managing the Black Stars’ finances.
However, the GFA expressed gratitude for Mahama’s support for Ghanaian football, highlighting the nation’s top position in the FIFA World Cup qualifying group and its commitment to improving the team’s performance.
“We also endorse His Excellency’s call for transparency in relation to the budgeting and expenditure related to the Black Stars and, by extension, all national teams,” the GFA stated.
The FA emphasized that its role is limited to submitting a draft budget for national teams to the Ministry, with all financial decisions ultimately made by the government.
“Indeed, as part of our commitment to transparency, the GFA has always provided the Ministry responsible for Sports with the first draft budget for the national teams.
“Beyond this, everything to do with the budgeting and expenditure related to the Black Stars sits with the Ministry.
“For emphasis, payments made in relation to the Black Stars are exclusively handled by the Ministry,” the statement added.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) pledged its support for transparency and optimism in collaborating with the Ministry to achieve Ghanaians’ aspirations regarding the national team.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Christian Kobby Quarshie
