As Ghanaian footballers answer the call to represent the Black Stars, it is essential for them to acknowledge the immense pride and honor that comes with playing for the nation. However, a plea is made for players to recognize that taxpayers are making extraordinary sacrifices to support the team, especially in the midst of a prevailing economic crisis.

Recent disclosures from Ghana’s Youth and Sports Ministry, presented to Parliament, shed light on the financial commitments made by taxpayers in supporting the Black Stars. The breakdown of expenditures includes substantial amounts for AFCON qualifiers and other related activities:

1. 2024 AFCON Qualifier (Ghana vs. Angola — Home & Away) — GHS7,452,437.71
2. 2024 AFCON Qualifier (Ghana vs. Madagascar — Home & Away) — GHS8,395,434.13
3. 2024 AFCON Qualifier (Ghana vs. Central Africa Republic — Home & Away) — GHS3,414,894.51
4. April to June 2023 salaries of the coach & signing on fees — GHS3,379,548.10
5. Airlifting supporters during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar — GHS5,324,721.89

These five items alone sum up to a staggering GHS27,967,036.34. Notably, this significant expenditure does not account for the latest tournament-related expenses in Côte d’Ivoire.

In a time of unprecedented financial challenges affecting even the elderly and a struggle to raise funds for critical healthcare needs, players and officials of the senior national team, along with the Ghana Football Association, are urged to acknowledge the broader national issues that could be addressed with GHS27.9 million and reconsider the magnitude of the current financial output.