The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has dismissed claims that the government intends to use public funds to sponsor supporters travelling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing such reports as misleading and inaccurate.
In a statement issued on June 18, 2026, the Ministry reiterated that neither President John Dramani Mahama nor the government has approved the use of state resources to finance fan travel to the tournament.
According to the Ministry, the government’s position has remained consistent from the outset, citing the high cost involved in transporting supporters and the need to prioritise national development projects and investments in sports infrastructure.
“The government’s position has been clear from the onset. Public funds will not be used to transport supporters to the World Cup,” the statement emphasised.
The Ministry noted that the policy aligns with recommendations contained in the Justice Dzamefe Committee Report and the subsequent White Paper, both of which advised against using state funds to mobilise supporters for international football competitions.
Instead, the government has adopted a private sector-led funding model to support Ghana’s participation in the tournament, which the United States, Canada and Mexico will jointly host.
As part of this strategy, a fundraising event was recently held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra to raise approximately $30 million from corporate organisations and private donors. The funds are expected to support Ghana’s World Cup campaign and other related activities.
The Ministry further revealed that any surplus funds remaining after meeting essential World Cup expenses would be invested in sports infrastructure projects across the country.
Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, assured Ghanaians that all resources raised through the initiative would be managed with transparency and accountability.
He also expressed gratitude to corporate bodies and individuals who have contributed towards the fundraising effort.
The Ministry pledged to provide detailed updates on the receipt, allocation and utilisation of the funds at the appropriate time.
While acknowledging the enthusiasm of Ghanaians to support the Black Stars at the World Cup, the Ministry stressed that such participation must be facilitated responsibly and without placing an additional burden on the national budget.
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