The debate over financial transparency in Ghanaian football took center stage following President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to make national team budgets public. During his State of the Nation Address on February 27, Mahama instructed the Minister of Sports and Recreation to ensure accountability in the Black Stars’ finances, emphasizing that taxpayers deserve to know how their money is spent.

“Next month, the senior national team, the Black Stars, now a shadow of their former selves, will be in action. I have instructed the Minister for Sports and Recreation to hold the GFA accountable, particularly on the budget for the team,” Mahama stated. “There will be no secrecy in how much money the government puts into the national team.”

However, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has distanced itself from the responsibility of publishing the budget. Speaking to Sports FM, the GFA’s Communications Director, Henry Asante Twum, clarified that it is the Sports Ministry’s duty to disclose financial details, not the FA’s.

“Making Black Stars’ budget public is not the responsibility of the Ghana Football Association (GFA). It is the responsibility of the Sports Ministry,” Asante Twum asserted.

The Black Stars are set to return to action next month for their crucial Matchday 5 and 6 fixtures in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, aiming to bounce back from their disappointing performances in 2024.