President John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaians that his government will maintain full transparency in expenditures related to the country’s national teams, ensuring that all budget allocations are made public.

Speaking during the 2025 State of the Nation Address, Mahama emphasized accountability in sports financing, stating, “There would be no secrecy in how much the government spends on our national teams. The budgets presented by the Sports Authority and other sports associations must be known to the public. After all, it is the taxpayers’ money that is used to fund these activities.”

He also reaffirmed that the Ministry of Sports and Recreation would be included in his administration’s broader agenda to cut wasteful and unnecessary government spending.

“The reduction in government expenditure waste applies to all sectors of the economy, including the Ministry of Sports and Recreation,” he added.

Mahama’s remarks come amid increasing public scrutiny over state funding for sports, particularly regarding the Ghana Football Association (GFA). Over the years, successive Sports Ministers have been criticized for a lack of transparency, especially concerning the expenses incurred during major tournaments like AFCON 2019 and 2021.

Public frustration has also mounted due to the national team’s underwhelming performances in recent years, with many questioning whether funds allocated to the Black Stars and other teams are being efficiently utilized.

With this pledge, Mahama seeks to restore confidence in the management of sports finances, ensuring that taxpayers receive full disclosure on how their money is spent in the sector.