The Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has provided a detailed breakdown of the $3 million expenditure on Ghana’s participation in the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire during the 11-day stay.
Speaking before the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports, Culture, and Tourism, chaired by Kwabena Mensah Woyome, Ussif explained that the funds were allocated to cover per diems, flights, medical expenses, logistics, and hospitality.
“Once the team arrives, we need to provide accommodation and food, which is a significant component. Medical expenses are also critical, along with qualification bonuses.
We had to play a friendly match in Kumasi, so we covered the cost of flights to and from Kumasi.
Additionally, the team was chartered to Côte d’Ivoire, which incurred further costs,” Ussif noted.
He further elaborated on how funds from Ghana’s participation in the World Cup, dating back to 2006, have been utilized.
“In 2022, a portion of the funds was used by the government to finance our AFCON participation, while $2.8 million was allocated to the FA to enhance the hotel facilities in Prampram.
Two weeks ago, the FA began the construction of a hotel for our senior national team in Prampram,” Ussif added.
Responding to criticism of being labeled as “the worst Sports Minister” due to Ghana’s recent poor performances in major tournaments, Ussif addressed the concerns head-on.
