President John Dramani Mahama has stated that the Government of Ghana cannot afford to spend approximately $11,000 per person to fly supporters to the upcoming FIFA World Cup, emphasizing the need for responsible use of public funds.
Speaking on preparations for the tournament, the President explained that while government remains committed to supporting the Black Stars, financing travel for large numbers of supporters would place a significant burden on the national budget.
According to him, available resources must be directed toward critical national development priorities while ensuring prudent financial management.
President Mahama noted that the estimated cost of transporting supporters to the tournament is too high for government to justify, particularly at a time when resources are needed for infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic development.
He stressed that government’s responsibility is to balance national interests with public expectations and ensure that taxpayer funds are utilized efficiently.
The President’s remarks come amid discussions about Ghana’s participation in the World Cup and the level of support that should be provided to fans traveling abroad.
Despite ruling out sponsorship of fan travel from Ghana, President Mahama announced that arrangements have been made to secure match tickets for Ghanaians living abroad who wish to support the Black Stars during the tournament.
The initiative is expected to enable members of the Ghanaian diaspora to represent the country in large numbers and create a strong atmosphere of support for the national team.
Officials believe the approach will help maintain a visible Ghanaian presence at World Cup venues while minimizing costs to the state.
The President reiterated that government remains committed to supporting sports development but must also ensure that public expenditure aligns with broader national priorities.
He indicated that Ghana’s participation in international competitions should be managed in a manner that balances patriotism with fiscal responsibility.
The comments have already sparked discussion among football supporters and the general public, with some praising the government’s emphasis on prudent spending while others believe more should be done to assist fans wishing to support the national team.
As preparations for the World Cup continue, attention is expected to remain on the Black Stars, with supporters both at home and abroad eager to rally behind Ghana on football’s biggest stage.
The government’s latest position signals a shift toward cost-effective support measures while relying on the Ghanaian diaspora to play a key role in backing the national team during the tournament. Support President Mahama