Sports Minister Okays $860k for Black Stars’ Trip to Chad

Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has confirmed that the government has approved a budget of $860,000 for the Black Stars’ World Cup qualifier against Chad in N’Djamena.

Adams, who also serves as Member of Parliament, has recently been under pressure for not disclosing budgets for national team games, despite President John Mahama’s directive in February that he should make them public.

Speaking to the press two days before the crucial Match Day 7 clash, the minister explained that the Sports Ministry carefully reviews budgets before granting approval.

“The estimate submitted for Match Day 7 was over $1 million,” he revealed.

“After review, the Ministry approved about $860,000. The ticket for players and officials, we have a flat unit for all players and officials, but some spend more, while others spend less.”

He further explained that a flat amount of $6,000 per ticket was calculated for all 28 players and officials.

According to him, flight tickets presented to the Ministry are often higher than necessary, so his administration has introduced measures to reduce costs, including exploring alternative ways of purchasing tickets.

Adams stressed that the Ministry’s approach ensures accountability and value for money, particularly at a time when public spending is under close scrutiny. He noted that some items requested in the original estimate were removed before final approval.

Meanwhile, coach Otto Addo and his squad have already departed for Chad ahead of their September 4 game at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno. After the clash, the Black Stars will return to Ghana to face Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 8.