President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government will not sponsor the travel of Ghanaian supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing the high financial cost involved.
Speaking at the Ghana World Cup fundraising campaign on Friday, March 20, 2026, the President said the decision aligns with recommendations contained in the Dzamefe Report, which advises against the use of public funds for such purposes.
“In consonance with the Dzamefe Report, the government has no plans to allocate public funds to fly supporters to the World Cup,” he stated.
President Mahama explained that even supporting a relatively small number of fans would place a significant burden on the national budget. According to him, flying and accommodating just 200 supporters could cost close to $2 million.
“The logistical support of flying and accommodating even just 200 supporters is staggering,” he noted.
He emphasised that while the presence of Ghanaian fans at international tournaments is important, government must prioritise prudent financial management and focus resources on critical national needs, including job creation.
“We all want to see our fans in the stands, but we must be responsible in how we use public resources,” he added.
The announcement means that supporters who wish to attend the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will have to rely on private funding, sponsorships, or organised fundraising initiatives.
