Mustapha Ussif, the minister for youth and sports, has disclosed that a total of $5,171,040 was spent on the Black Stars for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.
On Friday, November 4, the sports minister revealed that although a total of $14.1 million had been allocated for the World Cup, the country would only spend $8.1 million during the group stage because the goal was to get to the semifinals.
Additionally, Mustapha Ussif disclosed in his expense report to Parliament that the squad spent $5,171,040 of the $8,166,200 money allotted for the group stages because they were unable to advance past the first round.
“Prior to Ghana’s participation at this World Cup I informed this house that our estimated budget was $8,166,200.” Out of this estimated budget, Mr. Speaker, our total expenditure for the group stage participation amounted to $5,171,840. This expense covered the appearance fee, per diem, flight arrangements, medical expenses, equipment, logistics, and hospitality.
“Mr Speaker, the reason for the surplus of three million dollars after our exit from the group stages is as a result of the ministry’s prudent management of resources as well as the ministry’s position to negotiate on qualification bonus for the next round instead of paying winning bonuses per match.
“What means is that despite the Black Stars winning against South Korea we did not pay any winning bonus because we had negotiated for a qualification bonus,” he said on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, December 21, 2022.
The Black Stars, who placed last in Group H behind Uruguay, South Korea, and Portugal, were eliminated from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in the opening round.