Sports Minister Denies Withholding Black Stars Budget Details
Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has refuted claims that he is deliberately withholding the budget for the Black Stars’ recent World Cup qualifying matches against Chad and Madagascar. The two games, which were played in March, have drawn public interest due to the lack of transparency regarding government expenditure, especially after President Mahama promised increased accountability.
During his State of the Nation Address in February, President Mahama had committed to ending what he called a tradition of “secrecy” surrounding national team spending. He also charged the Sports Ministry with the responsibility of ensuring financial transparency and accountability for all national team activities, starting with the two qualifiers.
Despite this directive, more than three weeks have passed since the matches were held, and the budget remains undisclosed. This delay has raised suspicions among some stakeholders that the Ministry may be concealing information.
In response to these concerns, Kofi Adams told Channel One News that there is no deliberate attempt to hide the figures. “You will know it when the time comes,” he said. “I will make it public. The national team is still playing. We have upcoming games in September, and the budget will be released. It would be unfair to publish a draft budget at this stage—I’m not hiding it.”
The Minister emphasized that releasing a preliminary or incomplete version of the budget would be misleading and possibly misinterpreted. He reiterated that full details would be shared at the appropriate time, particularly as the Black Stars prepare for more World Cup qualifying matches.
Ghana will resume its 2026 World Cup qualification campaign in September, facing Chad and Mali. Currently, the national team leads Group I with 15 points, holding a three-point advantage over second-placed Comoros. Under head coach Otto Addo, the team appears to be in a strong position, which has further heightened interest in the management of national team affairs.
As the countdown to September begins, all eyes will be on the Ministry to fulfill its promise of transparency and restore public trust. The delay in releasing financial details has reignited the national conversation on accountability in sports, with many expecting the Sports Ministry to set a precedent for openness moving forward.
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