President John Dramani Mahama has made a bold move toward transparency in Ghana’s sports funding. During his State of the Nation Address on Thursday, February 27, 2025, the President emphasised that the budget for the Black Stars, must be made public, as it is funded by taxpayers’ money.
This decision comes ahead of crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where the team is set to face Chad and Madagascar.
“Next month, the Senior National Team, the Black Stars, now a pale shadow of their former glory will be in action. I have instructed the Minister for Sports and Recreation to hold the Ghana Football Association (GFA) accountable, particularly regarding the team’s budget. There will be no secrecy in how much the government spends on the national team. The budget presented by the FA and other associations must be made public, as it is taxpayers’ money”; President Mahama stated.
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Meanwhile, the Black Stars are set to face Chad in a critical 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. The match is scheduled for Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium, which has been the approved venue for the team’s home games. This clash marks the beginning of Ghana’s efforts to secure a spot in the World Cup after a disappointing 2024. Otto Addo’s squad is eager to reboot their campaign, having suffered a horrid performance last year.
Ghana’s journey to redemption began with a lackluster showing in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, where they failed to secure a single victory in six games, finishing at the bottom of their group. This setback has cast a shadow over their preparations, but the team is now fully focused on the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. With expectations high, the Black Stars aim to use this crucial window to rebuild confidence and momentum.
The match against Chad is just the first of a pivotal three-game stretch for Ghana, as they also face Madagascar three days later. Despite a mixed start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, the Black Stars sit joint-top in Group I alongside Comoros. With victories already secured against Madagascar, Mali, and the Central African Republic, coupled with a loss to Comoros, Ghana’s potential is evident. The team will need to leverage their home advantage and improve defensive stability to maintain their competitive edge.
All eyes will be on the Accra Sports Stadium as the Black Stars aim to send a strong message to the Ghanaian football community that they are ready to compete at the highest level. With determination and focus, Ghana should be poised to bounce back.
