No public funds for World Cup fans — President Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has ruled out the use of public funds to sponsor Ghanaian supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing the high financial burden such an undertaking would place on the state.

Speaking at a World Cup fundraising campaign on Friday, March 20, 2026, the President said the decision was consistent with recommendations in the Dzamefe Commission Report, which cautions against state sponsorship of fan travel to international tournaments.

“In consonance with the Dzamefe Report, the government has no plans to allocate public funds to fly supporters to the World Cup,” he said.

President Mahama explained that even a modest effort to support a limited number of fans would come at a significant cost to the public purse. He noted that transporting and accommodating just 200 supporters could cost nearly $2 million.

“The logistical support of flying and accommodating even just 200 supporters is staggering,” he added.

He stressed that although the presence of Ghanaian supporters at the global showpiece remained important, government must prioritise prudent fiscal management and direct resources towards more pressing national needs, including job creation.

“We all want to see our fans in the stands, but we must be responsible in how we use public resources,” he added.

The announcement signals a shift from past practices, where governments provided financial support for supporters to travel to major tournaments. 

Under the new approach, fans hoping to cheer on the Black Stars in the United States, Canada and Mexico will have to rely on private sponsorship, personal funding or organised fundraising initiatives.

Ghana has been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama, and will open its campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto.