2026 FIFA World Cup: Budget cut won’t affect Black Stars – Sports Minister Kofi Adams

The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has downplayed concerns that government’s decision to slash the Black Stars’ budget for the September World Cup qualifiers could negatively impact the team’s performance.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, September 4, Mr. Adams confirmed that government had reduced the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) proposed budget of $2 million for the Matchday 7 and 8 fixtures against Chad and Mali to $1.3 million.

In an interview with Adom FM on Wednesday, September 3, the Buem MP explained that the cuts were necessary to eliminate non-essential costs.

“The GFA presented an estimated budget of $2 million for the games, but government approved $1.3 million. When I took office, I made it clear to the GFA that government would no longer pay certain things like winning bonuses for Management Committee members. That is exactly what we have done as a ministry and as a government,” he said.

Mr. Adams stressed that the cuts would not affect the players’ preparations or morale.

“I don’t believe the decision to cut down the budget will affect the team’s performance. These are professional players, and so there is no need to be worried.”

The Black Stars, who currently top Group I with 15 points after six games, will first play Chad away on Thursday, September 4, before hosting Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on Monday, September 8.