2026 WC: Why pay a purse holder $10,000? – Assafuah questions Black Stars spending

Rising Member of Parliament Vincent Ekow Assafuah has called into question the expenditure on individuals who accompanied Ghana’s Black Stars during their participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His remarks were made following Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams’ appearance before Parliament’s Select Committee on Sports to provide an accounting of the costs associated with the team’s World Cup campaign.

In an interview with Asempa FM, Assafuah argued that while some of the money spent could be compared to previous arrangements, certain payments to individuals such as purse holders, chefs, caterers and security officers required further scrutiny.

The MP specifically questioned the reported payments of $10,000 or more to individuals who held money for players and officials. "You take people to the United States and Canada as part of the officials of the Black Stars. Then you pay that person $10,000," Assafuah remarked, emphasizing his concern over the justification for such a high amount.

He also expressed doubt regarding the proportionality of payments made to other support staff. He pointed out the large sums given to chefs and caterers, totaling 1.2 billion old cedis each, and questioned the length of time these individuals had been with the team. Assafuah’s inquiries are part of a broader discussion about spending and accountability involving officials who travelled with the Black Stars throughout the tournament.

Ghana participated in four matches at the 2026 World Cup, ultimately suffering a 1-0 loss to Colombia in the Round of 32 in Kansas City.