According to a social media post by Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ghana Football Association budgeted $8.5 million for the Black Stars’ campaign at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.
Ablakwa claims to have obtained “unimpeachable, irrefutable and indisputable” documentation that confirms the $8.5 million budget, which equates to GHS105 million at current exchange rates. This amount is separate from the GHS27.9 million spent on the qualifiers.
An intercepted letter from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, dated January 2nd, 2024, addresses the Minister of Finance, requesting partial payment of $5,071,840.36 from the total Black Stars budget of $8,506,450.00. The letter is signed by the Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. William Kartey, on behalf of the Minister, Hon. Mustapha Ussif.
THE SECRET IS OUT; THE WAIT IS OVER — GOVT & GFA AGREED ON A BLACK STARS AFCON BUDGET OF AN ASTONISHING US$8.5MILLION (GHS105MILLION)
I promised in my publication last week on the staggering GHS27.9million taxpayers spent on the Black Stars between 2022 and 2023, that I shall… pic.twitter.com/4005pvDngk
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) January 29, 2024
Ablakwa pointed out a striking fact, stating, “It is worth noting that the prize money for the winner of the AFCON is US$ 7 million. What this means is that even if the Black Stars had won the trophy, the public officials who put this budget together were determined to ensure that Ghana made losses in excess of US$ 1.5 million.” He asserted that Parliament must and will probe this astonishing budget when they resume from the 6th of February, 2024.
Ghana 🇬🇭 reportedly budgeted $8.5 million for #AFCON2023
The winner of the tournament is to receive $7 million
🤯#3Sports pic.twitter.com/2pVEaEuQRZ
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) January 29, 2024
The Black Stars’ performance at the tournament was disappointing, exiting in the group stages with only two points from three matches. A defeat against Cape Verde and two draws led to their unexpected first-round exit. Consequently, coach Chris Hughton has been relieved of his duties, and the search for a new coach has commenced.