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Dickson Kyere Duah, Kwadwo Poku clash over government funding for World Cup participation
A disagreement has emerged between Member of Parliament for Berekum West, Dickson Kyere-Duah, and energy consultant Kwadwo Poku over government funding for Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The debate centred on government’s decision to budget about 13 million dollars to support the national team, even though FIFA is expected to provide an appearance fee of about 10.5 million dollars if Ghana qualifies for the tournament.
During the discussion on Joys news , Mr Poku questioned why the government should allocate such an amount when FIFA already provides funds to participating countries.
According to him, the appearance fee alone should help cover some of the country’s expenses.
He argued that if FIFA is giving Ghana 10.5 million dollars simply for qualifying for the tournament, it raises questions about the need for the government to appropriate additional funds.
Mr Kyere Duah, however, explained that the government’s allocation was part of advance planning captured in the national budget even before the final qualification results were known.
He noted that the budget for the tournament period was prepared in November 2025, when it was not certain that Ghana would qualify.
He stressed that budgeting does not automatically mean the entire amount will be spent.
According to him, the funds are meant to prepare the team from the start of the competition period until the end of the tournament.
Mr Kyere Duah explained that if the team exits the tournament early, the full amount allocated in the budget will not be used.
Mr Poku maintained that FIFA already provides financial support to teams for participating in the World Cup and insisted that the government must clearly justify additional spending.
The discussion extended to the role of the Ghana Football Association in managing the national teams.
Mr Poku described the association as a private institution and argued that FIFA also operates as a private body that does not allow government interference.
He explained that FIFA provides funds to teams to support their preparation and participation in the tournament.
Mr Kyere Duah, however, maintained that national teams represent the country and require government support to operate effectively.
By: Jacob Aggrey
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth-400x240.jpg)
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth-80x80.jpg)
![Dr.Newman [middle] being assited by Prof Abotsi [second from right] and Prof Acakpovi [left] to launched the Strategic Plan document photo Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Dr.Newman-middle-being-assited-by-Prof-Abotsi-second-from-right-and-Prof-Acakpovi-left-to-launched-the-Strategic-Plan-document-photo-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Accra Technical University (ATU) on Tuesday officially launched its Strategic Plan for 2026–2030 in Accra, aimed at driving innovation and strengthening institutional capacity across key operational areas.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Humphrey Awuletey Williams, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Oswal Investments Limited, explained that the strategic plan seeks to respond to emerging challenges while positioning the institution as a forward-thinking leader in development.
He urged the university’s leadership to leverage their expertise to train students to be innovative and produce competitive products for both African and international markets.
According to him, employers increasingly demand competence-based human capital beyond academic certificates to drive development.
Mr Williams commended the Governing Council, Academic Board, Management, and other stakeholders for developing what he described as a ‘formative tool,’ and encouraged them to ensure its full implementation.
The Vice Chancellor of ATU, Mr Amevi Acapkvovi, emphasised that the strategic plan focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening stakeholder engagement.
“The strategic plan is not just a document, but a commitment to excellence, accountability and progress,” he said, adding that inclusivity is also central to the institution’s operations.
He outlined seven key focus areas of the plan: industry-based education; digital transformation and modernised infrastructure; quality assurance and institutional excellence; industry-driven research, innovation and entrepreneurship; staff development, motivation and welfare; strategic partnerships and increased visibility; and sustainable and green technologies.
Prof. Ernest Abotsi, stressed that the plan must not ‘gather dust’ but should be actively implemented to achieve success.
“Currently, ATU is adopting measures to assess the cost of running the institution, and this plan will serve as a guide to promote the university at every level,” he said.
Stakeholders present lauded the initiative, noting that its clear framework and measurable targets would help track progress and ensure transparency in the institution’s operations.
The university expressed confidence that, with support from partners and staff, the plan would significantly contribute to national development and set a benchmark for excellence in the sector.
The ceremony brought together stakeholders from government, traditional leadership, academia, industry, and civil society.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
It was an exciting moment as hundreds of revellers from various parts of Accra trooped to the Independence Square beach in Osu to celebrate Easter.
Dressed in all kinds of beach costumes, parents were seen with their children having fun and enjoying the moment.
Others made the best of their outing by engaging in other fun activities.
The revellers engaged in games such as football, ampe, athletics while others just sat, relaxed to release stress amidst music provided by some revellers.
By Lizzy Okai
