The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has disclosed that an estimated $8.5 million was allocated for the recently concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
During his address to Parliament on Wednesday, February 14, Mr. Ussif revealed that $5 million was disbursed by the Finance Ministry for the initial phase of the competition.
He clarified that the $5 million was intended to cover expenses for “per diems, flight arrangements for the team, medicals, equipment, logistics, and hospitality,” while the remaining $2 million was left unused by his office.
“Mr. Speaker, our projected budget for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament was $8,506,450.00, which was earmarked for the team’s pre-tournament and Tournament Phases (group stages, 1/16 stage, quarter-final, semi-final, and final),” he explained.
“Out of the $8,506,450.00, $5,071,840.36 was released by the Ministry of Finance, of which US$3,070,067.81 was spent on per diems, flight arrangements for the team, medicals, equipment, logistics, and hospitality,” he added.
As a result, there was a surplus of $2,001,772.55 following the team’s premature exit from the tournament,” he noted.
He also addressed rumors alleging that each Black Stars player was paid $30,000 prior to the final Group B game against Mozambique to boost their motivation for the crucial match.
“Mr. Speaker, the Ministry had agreed to pay bonuses if the team progressed to the next round of the tournament, therefore, no qualification bonuses were paid due to the team’s elimination at the group stage,” he stated.
“This measure adopted by the Ministry was aimed at motivating the team to strive for progression in the competition, as well as ensuring the judicious management of resources,” he emphasized.
Ghana’s underwhelming performance in the tournament, culminating in a third-place finish in Group B with only two points, resulted in their elimination for the second consecutive time.
The team’s poor showing led to the dismissal of Chris Hughton and his technical staff.
