The Ministry of Youth and Sports has cut down the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) proposed budget for the Black Stars’ upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali, reducing it from $2 million to $1.3 million.

Sports Minister Hon. Kofi Iddi Adams clarified that his administration reviews estimates from the GFA and removes inflated or unnecessary items before approval.

“The estimate submitted for Matchday 7 (Chad game only) was over $1 million. After review, the Ministry approved about $860,000,” Adams explained.

He added that one of the main areas trimmed was flight expenses, noting that a flat $6,000 per ticket had been allocated for all 28 players and officials. The Ministry, however, opted for more cost-effective alternatives.

The budget disclosure comes after months of scrutiny, with the Minister previously accused of failing to reveal financial figures for Black Stars assignments despite directives from former President John Mahama for full transparency.

Otto Addo’s side departed Accra for N’Djamena ahead of their September 4 clash with Chad at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno. The team will then return home to host Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 8 in Matchday 8 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Below is the estimated and the approved budget by the Sports Ministry ahead of the Chad game: