Don’t use public funds to sponsor supporters – Nii Lante Vanderpuye

Former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lante Vanderpuye has advised the government against using public funds to sponsor supporters’ travel to the USA, Canada and Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to Nii Lante Vanderpuye, the government will go against the findings of the Dzamefe Commission if they decide to use state funds to airlift Black Stars supporters to the hosting countries.

His comments come amid reports that the government plans to airlift fans to support the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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“The minister has done well by taking that difficult decision to fly fans to the US, Canada, and Mexico to support the team. My concern, however, is with the white paper report of the Dzamefe Commission, which states that the government must not finance any supporters for tournaments involving our national team. Therefore, mobilizing private resources should be the way to achieve this objective,” he told Citi Sports.

He also urged authorities to ensure fair selection of fans to rally behind the team for the Mundial and not based on favoritism.

“If somebody has been to the World Cup before, why do we want to send the same person to another World Cup? There are thousands and millions of other Ghanaians who have never had the opportunity to do that,” he told Citi Sports.

“So let’s create opportunities where it will not always be the same group of supporters going to tournaments. Yes, if somebody says they have the time, that’s fine, but there are other Ghanaians who, when given the opportunity, will also be able to experience it. If we don’t give opportunities to other people, how will they get the experience we are talking about? So let’s give opportunities to others,” he added.

Watch the interview below:

SB/JE

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