Sports
GFA budget versus Adams’ axe
Anyone interested in how the public purse is disbursed and applied would surely applaud the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Mr Kofi Adams, for the measures taken to protect it.
Mr Adams slightly took the shine off the Black Stars’ preparation for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Mali with the disclosure of a budget submitted by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for the two matches.
Additionally, he announced drastic cuts to the said budget, a move he indicated was to ensure fiscal discipline as directed by the President, John Dramani Mahama.
By the information made available, the GFA submitted a budget of $2,053,240 for the organisation and preparation of the team for the two matches.
The amount was to also pay mouthwatering bonuses and allowances that makes one wonder how certain amounts have been made to look like ‘chicken change’ or ‘coins.’
In certain quarters, the Sports and Recreation Minister has been hailed for the decision that is explained to have saved the nation an amount of $732,750.00.
“The Ministry subjected the estimates to a detailed internal review and identified line items that required adjustment, clarification, and removal, guided by government’s current fiscal posture and the need for prudent spending,” the Minister was reported to have said.
That was obviously a great move although some aspects and postures of the Ministry has not gone down well with the FA, and the public would wait rather impatiently to know the content of its promised reaction after the double-header.
Football, indeed, remains an expensive venture and any participant must be ready to meet it demands if the dream is to reap its full benefits.
From the provision of infrastructure, acquisition of logistics to per diem and bonus payment, one would need to break the bank to stay at a level considered as standard.
This becomes a headache for countries with smaller economies like Ghana that struggles to provide infrastructure like schools, hospitals, roads, provision of water, shelter and many other basic needs.
It, therefore, beats the imagination of many how Ghana is able to pay huge bonuses and allowances, some of which can be compared to other national teams at their best.
Interestingly, some of the line items were deemed untouchable. For example, the chartered flight that cost the tax payer $300,000, players’ per diem of $150, and $200 for technical staff and officials escaped the ‘Adams axe.’
Expenses like bonuses for players couldn’t swerve the chopping board, suffering 50 per cent cuts – meaning players would take $5,000 instead of $10,000 as winning bonuses.
Coach Otto Addo would still smile to the bank with $10,000 although he would be happier with the $20,000 the FA wanted to pay.
Additionally, the bonus for the assistant coaches were reduced from $10,000 to $5,000, those of the team doctor, physiotherapist, video analyst, and psychologist were reduced from $10,000 to $4,000, with the kit officers, media officer, masseur, welfare officer, and dietician taking $4,000 instead of $8,000 with the $10,000 bonus for management officials cancelled.
The team’s imprest was also reduced from $60,000 to $20,000, while facility user fees of $2,000 and internal transport (fuel) of $5,000 were removed.
What is assuring is that the development will not affect the team’s psyche in anyway as players and officials remain greatly motivated to secure Ghana’s qualification.
But the chapter is not closed until the FA releases its promised response to bring clarity on issues it appears uncomfortable with.
By Andrew Nortey
Sports
World Cup Qualifiers: Ghana beats Mali to boost qualification hopes
The Ghana Black Stars on Monday evening secured a vital 1–0 win over Mali in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a result that strengthens their chances of booking a ticket to the 2026 tournament.
The Match
The only goal of the game came in the 52nd minute when Alexander Djiku powered home a header to put Ghana ahead at the charged Accra Sports Stadium.
Ghana dominated possession and created more chances, with Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus troubling the Malian defense.
Coach Otto Addo’s side managed the game well, with substitutes, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Iñaki Williams and Joseph Paintsil helping to protect the narrow lead.
Mali pushed for an equalizer but Ghana’s defense held firm until the final whistle.
What the win means
The victory takes Ghana to the top of their qualifying group, giving them a strong advantage in the race to secure a direct World Cup spot.
It also boosts team confidence as the Black Stars aim to make their fifth appearance at the global showpiece.
Games Remaining and Qualification Path
Ghana now has two games left in the qualifiers. To qualify directly, they must finish first in their group.
If they end up second, they will have to compete in the CAF play-offs to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
About the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The next FIFA World Cup will kick off on June 11, 2026, and run until July 19, 2026. For the first time in history, the tournament will feature 48 teams, an expansion from the usual 32.
It will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with matches spread across 16 cities.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Sports
Black Stars face Mali test in FIFA World Cup qualifier – Preview
With only two rounds left, the Black Stars lead the table but can’t afford slip-ups against a Mali side still firmly in contention for a top two finish.
Ghana entered the September window with momentum, but a late setback against Chad pegged the team back in N’Djamena.
The Black Stars looked in control for large parts of the match, with Jordan Ayew’s first-half strike seemingly setting the team on course for a routine win. However, missed opportunities left the door open for Chad, who snatched a dramatic equalizer in the 89th minute.
The 1-1 draw cost Ghana the chance to extend their cushion at the top, though results elsewhere kept them three points clear of Madagascar and four above Mali.
For Mali, after a stop-start campaign that included too many draws, the Eagles reignited their qualification hopes with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Comoros last time out – putting them firmly in contention.
Dorgeles Nene, Kamory Doumbia, and Lassana Coulibaly all scored in a display that showcased both cutting-edge and balance, qualities Tom Saintfiet’s men have often lacked in recent games.
The visitors have proven difficult to beat, losing just once in seven outings, but their three draws have left them playing catch-up. Their defensive stability is impressive, with only four goals conceded so far, boasting one of the stingiest backlines in the group.
What Saintfiet now demands is greater ruthlessness in attack, where Doumbia and El Bilal Touré have often flattered to deceive despite flashes of brilliance.
With the gap to second-placed Madagascar now three points, Mali knows victory in Accra would put them firmly back in the race for automatic qualification. Otto Addo’s side are still well-placed to qualify for back-to-back World Cups, but sharper finishing and greater control in midfield will be needed to avoid more late frustrations.
Home form has been a strong foundation for Ghana’s campaign, with the Black Stars unbeaten in Accra so far in the qualifying series following wins against Madagascar, Central African Republic, and Chad.
Defensively, Ghana have conceded just six goals in seven games. With the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Jordan Ayew supporting Antoine Semenyo and Iñaki Williams in attack, this Ghana side has plenty of quality to punish any opponent.
Both teams arrive with plenty to play for – Ghana aiming to consolidate their lead and Mali looking to force their way back into contention.
Ghana’s firepower, especially in Accra, makes them favorites, but Mali’s defensive organization and recent attacking revival mean this could be a far tighter contest than the standings suggest.
The match will take place at the Accra Sports Stadium at 7 p.m. on Monday, September 8, 2025.
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