2026 WC: Kofi Adams justifies payment to Kurt Okraku and Black Stars security officer

Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams has defended the payments made to Black Stars officials during Ghana's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to a statement made on Asempa FM's Ekosii Sen programme, each player received $100,000, while GFA president Kurt Okraku and members of the management committee were each paid $50,000.

The minister stated that the payments also covered other officials who accompanied the team to the tournament in North America. Additionally, GFA general secretary Prosper Harrison Addo received $20,000, and security personnel attached to the team were paid $10,000 each. Ghana's participation marked their fifth appearance in the World Cup, but their campaign was disappointing, with one win, one draw, and two defeats leading to their elimination at the Round of 32.

The team's journey has been marred by a visa-related controversy that resulted in the suspension of National Sports Authority director-general Yaw Ampofo Ankrah. As the Black Stars now focus on qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted in East Africa, they have struggled in their initial qualifying matches, losing to Ivory Coast and The Gambia.

The team is set to play a double-header against Somalia at the Accra Sports Stadium to bolster their qualification hopes. An interim technical team is anticipated to take charge of the Black Stars following the departure of Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz.