John Dramani Mahama says the government will not be able to finance large-scale travel arrangements for Ghanaian supporters to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to the high cost involved.
Speaking during a diaspora town hall meeting on Sunday, May 31, the President explained that transporting and accommodating fans for the tournament would place a significant financial burden on the state.
According to him, the estimated cost per supporter is around $11,000, covering airfare, accommodation, feeding, transportation, and match tickets.
“We cannot spend public money in that manner,” President Mahama stated, stressing that his administration remains committed to fiscal discipline and prudent management of state resources.
The President noted that sponsoring large groups of fans to travel from Ghana to the World Cup host cities would not be sustainable under the current economic circumstances.
However, he disclosed that government intends to support Ghanaians living abroad by purchasing match tickets for members of the diaspora who wish to attend the games.
2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with Ghana’s Black Stars preparing to compete on the global stage.
