President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has assured the public that his government will not repeat the infamous incident of flying cash to pay protesting Black Stars players during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
According to the President, his administration in 2014 airlifted $3 million to the Black Stars’ camp in Brazil to resolve a tense standoff and prevent the players from boycotting the final group game against Portugal.
However, president Mahama in an interview with Sporty FM said such mistake will not happen again at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.
He said the money for the players will be paid directly into their respective local accounts.
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“The players have accounts now, so we can pay the money directly instead of carrying money physically and giving it to them. That’s why I say the lessons of 2014 have been learned, and I believe this will be a smoother, more disciplined, and transparent campaign.”
Ghana secured its automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday, October 12, 2025, after beating Comoros 1-0 at the Accra of Sports Stadium in front of 35,000 spectators.
The Black Stars have now joined Morocco, Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia as the African countries who have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana will not fly money to pay Black Stars players, unlike in 2014#SportyFM pic.twitter.com/D1lNYcJiwn
— SportyFM Ghana (@SportyFM_) October 13, 2025
JE
