Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams, has responded to public concerns regarding the undisclosed budget for the Black Stars’ recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Chad and Madagascar.
The minister’s decision to withhold financial details has sparked debate, particularly in light of President John Mahama’s directive for transparency in national team expenditures.
Speaking with Umaru Sandu Amadu on Channel One TV’s Face-to-Face programme on Tuesday Night, Adams assured Ghanaians that the budget would be made public at an appropriate time, emphasising the need to avoid distractions during the team’s preparations.
“I am not hiding the budget for Black Stars, you will know it when the time is right, we have next assignments coming up” – Kofi Adams.
Sports & Recreation Minister explains why the budget has not been released after the Chad & Madgascar games in FWCQS.#CitiSports pic.twitter.com/Qbq8cHTfBo
— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) April 16, 2025
“I am not hiding the budget for Black Stars, you will know it when the time is right, we have next assignments coming up,” Adams said, highlighting upcoming fixtures as a priority.
The Black Stars secured convincing victories, defeating Chad 5-0 in Accra on March 21 and Madagascar 3-0 in Morocco on March 24.
These results have positioned Ghana at the top of Group I with 15 points, strengthening their bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite the wins, the delay in budget disclosure has drawn criticism from sports journalists and fans who argue that transparency is essential for public trust.
President Mahama, in his State of the Nation Address, emphasised that national team budgets should be accessible to taxpayers.
The Minister’s assurance comes amid reports that the Parliamentary Select Committee for Youth & Sports has urged Adams to brief the media on the budget soon. As Ghana prepares for future qualifiers against Chad and Mali, the debate over financial transparency in football continues to simmer, with fans awaiting the promised disclosure.
