The Sports Ministry’s decision to slash a GH¢58,000 ($5,000) fuel allocation for the Black Stars has sparked fierce debate over government spending and accountability in Ghanaian football.
The Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, disclosed that the budget line, intended to cover the team’s transportation within Accra before flying to N’Djamena, was deemed “excessive” and removed from the final budget.
“This amount was just to cover the Black Stars’ trip within Accra,” the minister emphasised, noting that the figure had raised concerns even within his own ministry.
Here is a full breakdown of approved budget for Black Stars game against Chad
For context, the Black Stars assembled in Ghana on September 1, 2025, stayed at the Alisa Hotel, and departed for Chad by September 3 ahead of their September 4 clash.
The Black Stars rely on a Mercedes-Benz team bus for internal transportation during national assignments.
The Alisa Hotel, their residence, is just 2.2 km from the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium, a distance that makes the GH¢58,000 allocation seem even more extravagant.
Here’s what it actually costs to fill similar Mercedes-Benz buses at current Goil pump prices (GH¢12.99 per litre as of September 3, 2025):
• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibus (75–100 L): GH¢974 – GH¢1,299
• City bus (200–300 L): GH¢2,598 – GH¢3,897
• Long-distance coach (480–550 L): GH¢6,235 – GH¢7,145
• Luxury coach (600–650 L): GH¢7,794 – GH¢8,444
Even the largest luxury coach does not exceed GH¢10,000 in fueling costs, making the scrapped GH¢58,000 allocation appear grossly inflated.
The decision comes as the government intensifies scrutiny over the cost of running the Black Stars, a team long criticised for consuming vast public funds. While players are still guaranteed bonuses of $5,000 each and head coach Otto Addo is set to earn $10,000 for victories, the ministry insists that trimming questionable budget items is necessary to restore public trust.
As one sports analyst noted, “If GH¢58,000 can be justified for a bus ride across Accra, then what else is hidden in these budgets?”
SSD/MA
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