Kofi Adams Reveals No Government Funding for Black Stars Friendlies, Confirms Release of GHC40m for African Senior Athletics Championships

Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has assured Ghanaians that full financial accountability will be provided following the Black Stars’ recent international friendly matches against Mexico and Wales.

Speaking at a press conference, the Minister provided updates on the senior national team’s preparations, performances and the financial outcomes of the two high-profile friendlies, which formed part of Ghana’s build-up towards upcoming international assignments.

Hon. Adams disclosed that the Government of Ghana did not inject any state funds into the organisation of the matches, explaining that the games were financed through external arrangements and partnerships. He further revealed that the friendlies generated revenue, details of which would be made public once all financial processes have been completed.

“The Ministry will account for every expenditure after the tournament,” he assured, stressing government’s commitment to transparency and prudent management of public resources.

The Minister also disclosed that he is yet to receive official reports from the Ghana Football Association regarding some of the Black Stars’ previous engagements, including financial and technical details. He indicated that measures would be put in place to ensure greater accountability and improved coordination between the Ministry and the football governing body.

In a significant development, Hon. Adams further revealed that the Ministry of Finance of Ghana released GHC40 million towards Ghana’s hosting of the African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra.

According to the Minister, the funds was to support the successful organisation of the continental competition, which attracted some of Africa’s finest track and field athletes to Ghana’s capital. He described the release of the funds as a major boost for the championship and a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to sports development beyond football.

The Minister praised the collaborative efforts between the Sports Ministry, athletics officials and other stakeholders in ensuring that Ghana delivers a memorable and well-organised championship in the future capable of enhancing the country’s reputation as a destination for major sporting events.

Hon. Adams also reiterated government’s unwavering support for football development and the growth of all national teams, insisting that sports remain a critical tool for national unity, youth empowerment and economic development.

He urged Ghanaians to continue supporting the Black Stars despite recent mixed performances, noting that the technical team and players remain focused on rebuilding confidence and assembling a competitive side capable of excelling on the continental and global stage.

The Black Stars’ friendlies against Mexico and Wales are widely seen as important tests ahead of the World Cup, while Ghana’s hosting of the African Senior Athletics Championships further highlighted the country’s growing ambition to position itself as a leading hub for sports in Africa.

About The Author

Emmanuel Austin Baah

My name is Emmanuel Austin Baah, professionally known as “Okocha”. I am a seasoned Ghanaian journalist, broadcaster and football commentator from Senya Bereku in the Central Region. My work reflects a strong commitment to factual reporting, ethical journalism and the continuous promotion of Ghanaian sports.

I am currently pursuing my studies at Cape Coast Technical University, building on a solid foundation of media practice and communication. I previously served as a sports producer at Radio Gold (90.5) and Montie FM (100.1) in Accra, where I was actively involved in editorial planning, programme production, live commentary and in-depth sports analysis.

Presently, I am a Senior Writer at SportsNetGhana.com, a role in which I produce well-researched features, match reports, athlete profiles and analytical pieces. My work consistently highlights emerging talents, captures key sporting developments and contributes to shaping informed sports discourse in Ghana.

Over the course of my career, I have covered numerous major sporting events both locally and internationally. Among these, the highlight remains my coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a significant milestone that strengthened my expertise in global football reporting and enhanced my understanding of international sports dynamics.

I am widely recognised for my clarity of analysis, engaging commentary style and strong command of both local and global football trends. Beyond the newsroom, I participate in community initiatives aimed at developing young sports journalists and promoting youth engagement in sports.

For professional engagements, media collaborations or enquiries, please contact me on 0265284330.

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