Minister Kofi Adams Reveals $1.26m World Cup Ticket Expenditure as Ghana Awaits $12.5m FIFA Payout

The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has disclosed that the Ghanaian government invested approximately $1.26 million to secure tickets for supporters during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking before Parliament's Youth and Sports Committee on September 17, 2026, the Minister provided a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with the national team's campaign, highlighting the state's commitment to ensuring a vocal presence for the Black Stars on the global stage.

According to the figures presented to the committee, the $1.26 million expenditure was used to acquire a total of 2,922 tickets. These tickets were distributed across three matches, facilitating the attendance of local supporters who traveled to cheer for the national team. This disclosure comes as part of a broader effort by the Ministry to maintain transparency regarding the allocation of public funds for international sporting tournaments, which remains a subject of significant public and legislative interest.

Beyond the tournament's expenses, Minister Adams also shared positive news regarding Ghana's financial returns from the global showpiece. He announced that Ghana is expected to receive US$12.5 million from FIFA by the end of September 2026. This payment constitutes the country's share of the financial rewards following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. The Minister noted that the government is currently engaged in final discussions with FIFA to resolve matters related to taxation and the formal settlement of these funds.

The anticipated $12.5 million inflow is expected to provide a substantial boost to the nation's sports development budget, potentially offsetting the initial costs of participation and supporter mobilization. As FIFA finalizes its administrative processes with host nations and participating associations, the Ministry of Sports and Recreation expects the funds to be cleared shortly, marking a successful financial conclusion to Ghana's 2026 World Cup journey.