Sports Minister defends timing of Black Stars budget release

Minister of Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams has defended his decision to release the Black Stars’ budget just days before Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Chad, dismissing criticisms of poor timing.

The budget, which included significant expenditure cuts such as the scrapping of winning bonuses for members of the Black Stars Management Committee and a $5,000 allocation for fuel for the team bus, was made public two days before the 1-1 draw with Chad.

The timing sparked backlash from some stakeholders, including former Ghana Football Association communications director Ibrahim Sannie Daara.

In an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show, Adams insisted the decision had been communicated months earlier.

“I had already indicated in March that for the next World Cup games, the budget would be made public before the match. So, everyone knew this was going to happen,” he said.

“The issue of timing doesn’t sit in there; also, the players didn’t suffer any reduction. If I did anything, I rather enhanced their morale,” he added.

Despite the draw with Chad, Ghana bounced back to defeat Mali 1-0 in Accra, moving to the top of Group I with 19 points, and strengthening their position to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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