Speaking on the matter, President Mahama said sending supporters to the World Cup is estimated to cost almost $11,000 per person. He made clear that spending public money in that manner is not something his administration is prepared to do.
"Sending supporters to the World Cup is estimated to cost almost $11,000 each. We cannot spend public funds in that manner," the President said.
The statement is straightforward. At $11,000 per person, flying a group of government-sponsored supporters abroad would run into millions of dollars — money that could go toward hospitals, schools, roads, or other pressing national needs.
Previous governments have faced criticism for sponsoring large supporter delegations to major tournaments at taxpayer expense. Mahama's position signals a deliberate break from that practice.
For Ghanaian football fans hoping for government-sponsored trips to the World Cup, the answer is no. Those who wish to attend will need to fund their own travel.
For the broader public, the statement reflects a commitment to fiscal discipline. Ghana has been navigating economic challenges in recent years, and spending heavily on tournament travel would draw justifiable criticism.
The Black Stars' participation in the World Cup remains a source of national pride. However, President Mahama is drawing a line between supporting the team and misusing state resources.
The position is reasonable. Patriotism does not require a government to foot the bill for supporter travel. Ghana can cheer its team from home just as loudly.
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