In a recent address to Parliament, Youth and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif disclosed that Ghana spent approximately $3 million during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
The Ministry had initially budgeted $8.5 million for the event, of which $5 million was released by the Finance Ministry for the first phase of the competition. These funds were intended to cover per diems, flight arrangements for the team, medicals, equipment, logistics, and hospitality. The remaining $2 million was left unused.
Ussif explained, “Our estimated budget for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament was $8,506,450.00 to cater for the team’s pre-tournament and the Tournament Phases (group stages, 1/16 stage, quarter-final, semi-final and final).” Out of the $8,506,450.00, $5,071,840.36 was released by the Ministry of Finance, with $3,070,067.81 spent on various expenses, resulting in a surplus of $2,001,772.55 after the team’s exit from the tournament.
He also revealed that the Sports Ministry received $400,000 from MTN Ghana to support the government’s efforts in preparing the team for the competition.
Furthermore, Ussif addressed reports claiming that each Black Stars player was paid $30,000 before the final Group B game against Mozambique. He clarified, “The Ministry had negotiated to pay bonuses should the team progress to the next round of the tournament, therefore, no qualification bonuses were paid due to the team’s exit at the group stage.”
Ussif emphasized that this measure was implemented to motivate the team and ensure prudent management of resources. Ghana exited the AFCON group stage after drawing 2-2 against Mozambique in their final group game, marking the second consecutive time the Black Stars has exited at this stage of the competition.
