The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has reiterated its decision not to sponsor any fans to the ongoing FIFA World Cup in North America, describing recent suggestions of trip sponsorship as false.
A Thursday, June 18, 2026 statement issued by the Ministry of Sports and Recreation says such suggestions are deliberate distortion of information.
According to the statement, both President John Dramani Mahama and the Ministry have consistently ruled out the use of state funds for that purpose, citing the high cost estimated at up to $11,000 per fan and the need to prioritise domestic economic development and sports infrastructure.
This position by the Ministry, the statement explains, aligns with the recommendations of the Justice Dzamefe Committee report and the subsequent White Paper, which clearly stipulate that no state funds should be allocated to mobilise supporters for national team trips abroad.
Government launched a private sector-led fundraising initiative following the directives of the President, where approximately US$30 million was raised at the Kempinski Hotel to fund Ghana’s participation in the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The Ministry said any surplus funds after covering essential expenses will be dedicated to sports infrastructure development.
Kofi Iddie Adams, the sector Minister, assured Ghanaians that transparency and accountability will guide the management of all resources mobilised where he expressed gratitude to corporate Ghana for their generous response to the appeal for donations.
The Ministry said comprehensive updates on the allocation and utilisation of funds received from corporate partners will be provided at the appropriate time.
The government’s position, the statement emphasised, is not to prevent supporters from attending the World Cup, but to do so responsibly and transparently without using public funds.
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