Mahama Directs GFA To Make All Budgets Public

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to transparency in sports funding, directing that all budgets allocated to national teams be made public.

Speaking during his State of the Nation Address on Thursday, February 27, 2025, Mahama emphasized that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) must be held accountable for its expenditures, particularly concerning the Black Stars.

“Next month, the senior national team, the Black Stars, now a pale shadow of their former glory, will be in action. I have instructed the Minister for Sports and Recreation to hold the GFA accountable, particularly regarding the team’s budget. There will be no secrecy in how much the government spends on the national team. The budget presented by the FA and other associations must be made public, as it is taxpayers’ money,” Mahama stated.

Ghana’s sports sector has seen a downturn in recent years, with inadequate financial accountability and infrastructure challenges hampering development. Mahama assured Ghanaians that his administration is committed to revitalizing the sector beyond enforcing transparency.

“Government is committed to refurbishing existing sports stadia and building more youth resource centres,” he stated, stressing the importance of developing local talent and restoring Ghana’s reputation in global sports.

His call for transparency comes amid growing concerns about mismanagement and the declining performance of Ghanaian national teams. The Black Stars, once a formidable force in African football, failed to qualify for the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), adding to frustrations among fans and stakeholders.

The Black Stars are set to face Chad on Friday, March 21, at the Accra Sports Stadium before traveling to Madagascar for another crucial qualifier on Monday, March 24.

As the country looks to rebuild its sporting legacy, Mahama’s directive is expected to instill confidence in the administration of sports funding, ensuring that resources allocated to national teams are effectively utilized to enhance performance and development.