Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has confirmed the approval of an $860,000 budget for the Ghana Black Stars’ clash against Chad in N’Djamena for the World Cup qualifier.
The Member of Parliament, who has been under scrutiny for not revealing any budget for Ghana’s assignments since President John Mahama publicly directed him to do so in February, had earlier said he was “not hiding it.”
With two days to go before the Black Stars’ encounter against Chad for Match Day 7, Adams met the press and revealed his administration reviews estimated budgets and takes off some of the items on the list, including for the imminent clash.
“The estimate submitted for Match Day 7 was over $1 million,” he said.
“After review, the Ministry approved about $860k. The ticket for players and officials, we have a flat unit for all players and officials, but some spend more, while others spend less.
“The flat amount was $6,000 per ticket for all 28 players and officials. Flight tickets presented to the Sports Ministry are always higher than what is required. The Ministry, since I took over, has reviewed and even used alternative means to buy the tickets.
Otto Addo’s men have left for N’Djamena to face Chad at the Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno on September 4, before returning home to host Mali at the Accra Sports Stadium on September 8.