The Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has revealed the Black Stars spent $5,171,040 out of the $8,166,200 budgeted for the World Cup in Qatar.
At the floor of Parliament, the Member of Parliament for Yagaba-Kubori indicated the expenses covered the team’s appearance fee, per diem, flight arrangement and others.
The Black Stars were eliminated after the first round of the tournament following a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay.
After defeating South Korea in their second group game, the Black Stars needed a draw or win against Uruguay to advance to the last 16 stage.
But the team failed to negotiate for points against their ‘enemies’ Uruguay to progress.
Addressing parliament on the expenditure at the tournament, he said, “Prior to Ghana’s participation at this World Cup I informed this house that our estimated budget was $8,166,200." Out of this estimated budget, Mr. Speaker, our total expenditure for the group stage participation amounted to $5,171,840. This expense covered the appearance fee, per diem, flight arrangements, medical expenses, equipment, logistics, and hospitality.
Mustapha Ussif added that due to strict measures, the country was able to save $3 million after Ghana’s exit from the group stage “Mr Speaker, the reason for the surplus of three million dollars after our exit from the group stages is as a result of the ministry’s prudent management of resources as well as the ministry's position to negotiate on qualification bonus for the next round instead of paying winning bonuses per match.
“What means is that despite the Black Stars winning against South Korea we did not pay any winning bonus because we had negotiated for a qualification bonus."
He thanked Ghanaians for coming together to support the Black Stars during the tournament.