Mahama orders GFA to disclose Black Stars budget, pledges transparency in sports funding

President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to disclose the budget for the Black Stars, insisting that all government expenditures on national teams must be made public.

Delivering his State of the Nation Address on Thursday, February 27, 2025, Mahama stated that there would be “no secrecy in how much the government spends on the national teams.” He emphasised that funds allocated to sports, particularly football, must be properly accounted for.

“The budget presented by the FA and other associations must be made public, as it is taxpayers’ money,” he said.

The directive follows growing concerns over mismanagement in Ghana’s sports sector, particularly after a series of poor performances by the country’s national teams. The Black Stars recently failed to qualify for the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), deepening frustrations among stakeholders.

Mahama also announced measures to revamp sports infrastructure, stating that his government is committed to refurbishing existing sports stadia and building more youth resource centres.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars are scheduled to play Chad in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday, March 21, at the Accra Sports Stadium before travelling to Madagascar for another qualifier on Monday, March 24.