Kofi Adams defends payments to Black Stars officials at 2026 World Cup

Ghana's Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Adams, has defended payments made to Black Stars players and officials during the country's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mr Adams revealed that each player received $100,000, while members of the team's management committee and Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku were paid $50,000 each.

Speaking on Asempa FM, the minister disclosed that GFA General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo received $20,000, while security personnel attached to the team were paid $10,000 each.

Ghana made their fifth appearance at the World Cup but endured a disappointing campaign, recording one win, one draw and two defeats before exiting at the round of 32.

The team's participation in the tournament has also come under scrutiny following a visa controversy that led to the suspension of National Sports Authority (NSA) Director General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.

The allegations surrounding travel arrangements for Ghanaian supporters and officials have raised questions about the processes involved and the handling of payments linked to the tournament.

Mr Adams' latest comments provide further details about the financial arrangements for Ghana's World Cup campaign.

The Black Stars have since shifted their focus to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers but have endured a difficult start.

Ghana lost 2-0 to Ivory Coast in their opening match before surrendering a two-goal lead to suffer a 4-2 defeat against The Gambia, leaving them without a point after their first two games.

The poor start follows Ghana's failure to qualify for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, where they missed out after finishing bottom of their qualifying group without a win.

The four-time African champions will regroup next month for a double-header against Somalia at the Accra Sports Stadium as they attempt to revive their qualification hopes.

An interim technical team is expected to take charge of the Black Stars following the departure of Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz after the team's disappointing start to the campaign.

Ghana will be under pressure to secure positive results against Somalia to keep their hopes of returning to the continental showpiece alive.