Ghana will depend on registered supporters’ unions to back the Black Stars at the upcoming World Cup, with government saying the nearly $11,000 cost per supporter makes a mass travel programme impossible to justify.
The figure, which covers tickets, accommodation, transport, and feeding, was cited by President John Dramani Mahama as the reason the government could not extend its supporters’ programme beyond unions that have a tradition of following the team internationally and have been part of previous tournaments.
President Mahama made the announcement during a question and answer session at a diaspora town hall in London, where he was on a UK investment visit.
“We are committed to fiscal discipline and therefore cannot justify spending at that scale,” he said.
Ghana’s matches will be spread across three countries, with the team playing its opening game in Canada before moving to Boston and Philadelphia, adding to the logistical and financial burden of any large-scale travel arrangement.
For diaspora Ghanaians who still want to attend, the government is making arrangements to procure and distribute tickets.
He noted that the Ghanaian communities in Boston, Philadelphia, and Canada have been organised, and tickets will be shared among them to enable attendance.
“Those who can travel independently will also be facilitated with access to tickets,” he added.
The World Cup announcement came during a visit dominated by economic and governance themes.
President Mahama told the gathering that Ghana had exited its IMF Extended Credit Facility programme and was now being cited at the World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings as a recovery model.
“Non-oil growth exceeded seven percent, driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and digital services,” he added.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
