Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that both the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the government allocated $8.5 million (GHS105 million) for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
The Black Stars aimed to break a 42-year trophy drought during their participation in the 34th edition of AFCON held in Ivory Coast but faced disappointment as they exited at the group phase with only two points from three games.
Leading up to the tournament, Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif had refrained from revealing the budget for the team, drawing criticism from football enthusiasts, analysts, and taxpayers alike.
In contrast, Ablakwa, in a recent post on X, revealed that both the country’s football governing body and the government had mutually agreed on the earmarked amount for the tournament.
THE SECRET IS OUT; THE WAIT IS OVER — GOVT & GFA AGREED ON A BLACK STARS AFCON BUDGET OF AN ASTONISHING US$8.5MILLION (GHS105MILLION)
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) January 29, 2024
I promised in my publication last week on the staggering GHS27.9million taxpayers spent on the Black Stars between 2022 and 2023, that I shall… pic.twitter.com/4005pvDngk
He emphasized that the disclosed $8.5 million is distinct from the $1.5 million spent on the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.
Following the team’s elimination, Chirs Hughton was sacked with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) instituting a five-member committee to recommend a new coach for the Executive Council.
The deadline for submission for the vacant coaching role has been scheduled for February 2.
