Sports Minister Challenges GFA to be Bold over Black Stars Budget Cuts

Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has openly challenged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to “be bold” and take ownership of its unsigned statement regarding the recent controversy over budget cuts for the Black Stars. 

The development comes against the backdrop of heightened public scrutiny over government expenditure on football and President John Dramani Mahama’s directive in February for transparency in the disclosure of sports budgets.

The issue was sparked when Mr. Adams revealed at a press briefing that his ministry had reviewed the estimates submitted by the GFA for the Black Stars’ upcoming international assignments and made significant adjustments. 

While the Association had proposed a $2 million budget, the Ministry settled on $1.3 million, cutting down certain items it deemed excessive. In a move that drew particular attention,  Mr. Adams also announced the cancellation of allowance payments to members of the Black Stars Management Committee, a decision aimed at tightening spending and prioritizing player welfare and team logistics.

The GFA, in response, issued a carefully worded statement saying it had “taken careful note of statements made at the press briefing” and promised to provide clarifications “in due course.” However, the Association’s release did not bear the name of any official, a detail that drew the ire of the Sports Minister.

“The GFA’s statement has no name attached. Who wrote it? Is the person afraid to put his name there? Be bold. Who is in the communications department?” 

Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams

Accountability Requires Transparency

He maintained that accountability requires transparency and that the GFA should not hide behind anonymous words when engaging on matters of public interest.

The Minister was equally firm in defending the government’s decision to review and slash the proposed budget, stating that such action was based on available documentation. 

“We speak to documents. Are the GFA saying they did not present estimates and that the government did not slash their budget? If they respond, we’ll also respond appropriately”. 

Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams,

His comments underscore the government’s position that expenditure on sports must be justified and aligned with the nation’s financial realities.

This latest standoff highlights long-standing tensions between the Ministry of Sports and the GFA over issues of budgetary control, transparency, and accountability.

While the GFA manages football activities and presents funding requests, it is the government, through the Sports Ministry, that approves and disburses funds for international assignments. 

Critics have often accused both institutions of secrecy and waste, with calls for reforms to ensure efficient and open use of resources.

Mr. Adams himself has faced criticism in recent months for failing to disclose detailed budgets for previous Black Stars assignments, even after President Mahama’s explicit instruction in February that such disclosures be made public. 

When pressed on the matter, he insisted he was “not hiding it,” but explained that budget reviews and adjustments were part of normal ministerial oversight. His latest revelations and strong pushback against the GFA appear to be a demonstration of his commitment to implementing the President’s directive.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars remain focused on matters on the pitch. Otto Addo’s men have travelled to N’Djamena for 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 another crucial Group I fixture. Ghana, a four-time FIFA World Cup participant, currently sit atop the group with 15 points, three clear of Comoros, who face Mali on Match Day 7.

The outcome of these matches will go a long way in shaping Ghana’s qualification prospects, but off-field disputes over budgets threaten to distract from the team’s preparations. 

Football analysts note that continued wrangling between the Sports Ministry and the GFA risks undermining morale and focus, particularly at a time when the Black Stars are seeking to reassert their dominance on the African stage.

Yet, Mr. Adams insisted that prudent financial management is as important as results on the pitch. “We cannot continue business as usual when it comes to public funds. Accountability and transparency are not optional,” he said. 

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