President John Dramani Mahama has ruled out government funding for large-scale travel arrangements for Ghanaian supporters planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing the high financial burden on the state.
Speaking during a diaspora town hall meeting on May 31, President Mahama said it would be fiscally irresponsible for government to use public funds to cover travel, accommodation, feeding and match tickets for football fans.
According to him, the estimated cost of supporting a single fan to attend the tournament is nearly $11,000, making such an initiative unsustainable.
“We cannot spend public resources in that manner. The cost for each person, including accommodation, transportation, feeding and match tickets, is estimated at almost $11,000,” he stated.
The President emphasized that his administration remains committed to prudent financial management and ensuring that public resources are directed toward national development priorities.
As an alternative, Mr. Mahama disclosed that government plans to secure match tickets for members of the Ghanaian diaspora who wish to support the Black Stars during the tournament, rather than financing their travel and accommodation.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Ghana hoping to secure qualification for the global football showpiece.
