Kofi Adams clarifies government’s position on funding supporters for major tournaments

Government Sports Minister Kofi Adams has provided clarification on the government's stance regarding financial support for Ghanaian supporters attending major sporting events. During a recent parliamentary briefing, Adams announced that the government had allocated around $1.26 million to purchase 2,922 tickets for Ghana's group stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

These tickets were allocated to the Ghana Supporters Union, Ghanaians residing abroad, government personnel, the Ghana Students Association, and chosen Ghana Football Association officials. However, in a subsequent interview with JoySports, Adams emphasized that the government's policy does not preclude the provision of support for supporters, but it does forbid the utilization of budgeted funds specifically set aside by Parliament for this purpose.

This stance is informed by the recommendations from the Justice Dzamefe Commission, whose report examined the utilization of state funds to support supporters at significant tournaments. Adams reiterated that the government had not claimed it would be unable to send supporters, but rather it would not use designated funds for this purpose, as stipulated by the Justice Dzamefe Commission report.

The minister's explanation followed the revelation of the $1.26 million expenditure on World Cup tickets, which sparked a debate on the government's role in aiding Ghanaian fans at major sporting occasions. The Justice Dzamefe Commission was set up to examine issues pertaining to Ghana's attendance at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and its suggestions were ultimately embraced by the government.