Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council member Nana Oduro Sarfo has responded to President John Mahama’s demand for full transparency in government spending on the Black Stars, clarifying that financial accountability falls under the Ministry of Youth and Sports, not the GFA.
In an interview with Connect FM, Oduro Sarfo suggested that the President may have been misinformed about how national team finances are managed. He emphasized that while the GFA prepares budget proposals, it does not control or disburse funds.
“The President has been misled in making that statement. The GFA does not spend on the Black Stars. The FA submits the budget for approval, and once approved, the Ministry handles all financial matters. If Ghanaians seek accountability, they should direct their concerns to the Ministry,” he stated.
His remarks come in response to President Mahama’s pledge during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on February 27, 2025, to put an end to secrecy surrounding national team budgets. The President insisted that all financial details regarding the Black Stars and other national teams should be made accessible to the public.
“There will be no secrecy on how much the government spends on the national teams. The budgets presented by the GFA and other associations must be known by the public. After all, it’s the taxpayers’ funds that are used to fund these activities,” Mahama declared.
The debate over financial transparency in Ghanaian football has been ongoing for years, with fans and stakeholders calling for greater accountability. As both the GFA and the government shift responsibility, the issue is expected to spark further discussions in the coming weeks.
