The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that the Ministry of Youth and Sports budgeted $8.5 million (GH₵105 million) for the Black Stars’ campaign at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Ablakwa’s revelation follows earlier calls for transparency regarding the budget allocated for the national team’s participation.

Previously, the Ministry had declined to reveal the budget, citing it as a “work in progress.” However, Ablakwa, relying on intercepted documents, stated that the Ghanaian government and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) jointly agreed on a budget of US$8,506,450.00 for AFCON preparations and participation.

Ablakwa clarified that this figure is separate from the GH₵27.9 million spent on the qualifiers. The disclosed information comes from an intercepted letter dated January 2, 2024, from the Ministry of Youth and Sports to the Minister of Finance. The letter, signed by the Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. William Kartey, on behalf of Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif, requests a partial payment of US$5,071,840.36 from the total Black Stars budget.

It is noteworthy that despite the substantial budget, the Black Stars’ performance at the AFCON fell short of expectations, as they exited the competition in the group stage with only two points.