Ghana’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has provided a detailed breakdown of how the Black Stars spent $3 million during their participation in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.
In his address to the Parliamentary Select Committee for Sports, Culture, and Tourism on Tuesday, Ussif explained that the funds were allocated to chartered flights, logistics, and player per diems.
The Black Stars had a disappointing run in the tournament, failing to secure a single win in their group stage matches, which led to their early exit. Despite the poor performance, Ussif shared insights into the significant logistical expenses incurred before, during, and after the competition.
“Our team, once they are here and they are going to Côte d’Ivoire, you have to charter a flight, and that flight comes at a cost. Apart from flying all of them in business class, you also have to charter a flight… and when they finish, you get a flight to bring them back, so those are the costs,” Ussif explained, as quoted by Citi Sports.
The briefing was attended by members of the Save Ghana Football Movement, including renowned sports journalists Veronica Commey and Saddick Adams, who have been advocating for transparency in football governance.
