Kofi Adams (in white) addressing the team
Minister of Sports, Kofi Adams, has visited the Black Stars camp in Accra as the team continues preparations for Monday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mali.
The visit comes in the wake of a public storm over the team’s budget, after the minister disclosed that the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) proposed figure of $2,053,240 for the September qualifiers had been cut down to $1,320,490, saving government over $730,000.
The decision included scrapping management committee bonuses and introducing revised per diem rates for players and staff.
The disclosure angered sections of the GFA, who argued that making the figures public was unnecessary and risked unsettling the players before important matches.
Watch the Black Stars training session ahead of crucial Mali clash
The association promised to respond to the minister’s comments but only after the international break.
Despite the controversy, Adams’ appearance at the team’s camp before the Mali game on Monday, September 8, 2025, appeared to ease tensions. He interacted with the technical team and players, urging them to stay focused on the task at hand, beating Mali to keep Ghana’s qualification hopes on track.
The Black Stars are currently top of Group I with 16 points after seven games, but their position remains precarious following a disappointing 1–1 draw against Chad.
Mali sit third with 12 points, and a win for them in Accra could blow the group wide open.
The focus now shifts back to the pitch, with Ghana needing a strong response to calm fans and silence critics after the budget row and recent dip in performance.
FKA/AE
Meanwhile watch as Black Stars resume training at Accra Sports Stadium ahead of Mali clash
