WCQ 2026: Ghana Sports Ministry reviews national team budget ahead of Chad and Mali clash

Ghana’s Ministry of Sports and Recreation has announced a major review of the budget for the senior male team ahead of the two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali.

Sports Minister, Hon. Kofi Adams made the announcement on Tuesday, September 2 in accordance with the directive from President John Mahama to ensure transparency and financial management on national team spending.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, Sports Minister Kofi Adams disclosed that the final approved budget for Matchday 7 against Chad on September 4, 2025, and Matchday 8 against Mali on September 8, 2025, stands at $1,320,490, down from the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) initial request of $2,053,240.

For Matchday 7 where Ghana travels to play Chad in N’Djamena on September 4, the initial budget presented by the Ghana FA stood approximately at USD 1.24 million however after a review, the approved budget was whittled down to USD 856,890, reflecting savings of USD 382,200.

The Matchday 8 fixture at home to Mali on September 8 saw the FA present an initial budget of USD 814,150 but a review brought the down amount to USD 463,600 a savings of USD 350,550.

Cost reductions included rationalizing operational expenses and adjusting bonus allocations, with both match budgets collectively saving over USD 732,750.

A key exclusion from the budget is the winning bonuses for Management Committee Members of the national team whose only benefit remains the per diems. The Black Stars currently lead Group I with 15 points from six qualifying matches three points better than second placed Comoros.

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