Accra: The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has reiterated that no public funds will be used to sponsor supporters travelling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, dismissing claims suggesting otherwise as misleading and inaccurate. In a statement issued on June 18, 2026, the Ministry stressed that both President John Dramani Mahama and the government have consistently maintained their position against financing fan travel with state resources.
According to Ghana Web, the decision is informed by the significant cost involved, estimated at as much as $11,000 per supporter, and the need to prioritize critical 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 emphasized.
The Ministry noted that the policy is in line with recommendations contained in the Justice Dzamefe Committee Report and the subsequent White Paper, both of which advised against the use of state resources to mobilise supporters for international football tournaments. Instead, the government has adopted a private sector-led approach to financing Ghana's participation in the tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
As part of that effort, a fundraising event was recently held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra to mobilise approximately $30 million from corporate Ghana and private donors. The funds are expected to support Ghana's World Cup campaign and other related activities. The Ministry further disclosed that any surplus funds remaining after meeting essential World Cup-related expenses would be channelled into sports infrastructure development across the country.
Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, assured Ghanaians that all resources mobilised through the fundraising initiative would be managed with transparency and accountability. He also expressed appreciation to corporate organisations and individuals who have responded positively to the appeal for support. The Ministry pledged to provide detailed updates on the receipt, allocation, and utilisation of all funds raised at the appropriate time. It stressed that while the government supports the desire of Ghanaians to cheer on the Black Stars at the World Cup, such participation must be facilitated in a responsible and sustainable manner without placing an additional burden on the public purse.