Mahama: Government Cannot Spend $11,000 on Each World Cup Fan
Government opts to support diaspora-based fans with match tickets instead of funding travel from Ghana.
- Cost per fan estimated at $11,000.
- Government rejects mass travel sponsorship
- Diaspora fans to receive match tickets
Speaking at a diaspora town hall meeting on Sunday, May 31, the President revealed that the estimated cost of supporting a single fan — including travel, accommodation, feeding and match tickets — is nearly $11,000.
According to him, such an expenditure is not sustainable given the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and prudent management of public resources.
“We cannot, you know, spend our money in that manner. The cost approximates for each person to be fed, accommodated, transported, and all that to watch the games, tickets, and all that is estimated at almost $11,000,” Mr. Mahama said.
He explained that the financial demands of the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across multiple countries, make it impractical for the state to undertake large-scale sponsorship of supporters travelling from Ghana.
As an alternative, the President announced that the government will procure match tickets for Ghanaians living in the diaspora who wish to support the Black Stars at the tournament. The initiative, he said, will focus on organised Ghanaian communities and supporters’ groups in host cities to ensure a strong Ghanaian presence at the matches without placing an excessive burden on the national budget.
