Kwadwo Poku, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communications team and the NDC MP for Berekum West, Dickson Kyere-Duah, have clashed over the Black Stars’ proposed budget for the 2026 World Cup.
According to the NDC MP, the president is taking a taking proactive measures, adding that the expenditure depends on how far the team will progress in the tournament.
Speaking during a panel discussion on the AM Show aired on JoyNews on February 5, 2026, Dickson Kyere-Duah stated, “The president is taking proactive measures. The money is coming from FIFA. By merely qualifying without touching a ball, you get $10.5 million”.
Budgeting doesn’t mean it is spent from the start to the final. If you’re eliminated after the group stage, you will not spend all the $13 million. After every match, you’re also given additional money.”
“The point I’m making is that you have a president who does not treat sports as an afterthought, and we are fully prepared. Are you against us going to the World Cup?” he questioned.
However, Kwadwo Poku argued that since Ghana cannot recoup the same amount from the competition, it is not financially prudent to commit such funds to the team.
He noted that FIFA, which is organising the tournament, gives you $10 million for qualification, so why should the government appropriate $13 million?.
He stated, “With the money we spend, do we get it back? If they get $10 million for qualifying, why is the government of Ghana giving them $13 million? FIFA, who is organising the tournament, gives you $10 million; that’s how much they think you need to spend to participate.
I agree. But I’m saying, listen, for your preparation to come to the World Cup, you are given $10 million.
“If that money has been given, why is the government also appropriating $13 million on top of the $10 million? Every World Cup, at the end of it, there’s a problem. You’re only looking at the sporting benefits. The point you are missing is that in November 2025, we did the 2026 budget,” he argued.
Their clash follows, Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams’s who has announced that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has proposed over $13 million for the Black Stars’ campaign at the 2026 World Cup.
According to Kofi Adams, the over $13 million for the Black Stars’ remains at the proposal stage, with discussions yet to be held with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for scrutiny before final approval.
He explained that the figures could either be reduced or maintained depending on the outcome of deliberations.
Following the Sport Minister’s revelation, a detailed breakdown has emerged of how the GFA intends to spend the over $13 million.
According to reports, about $1,230,465 will be spend pre-tournament camping, which includes friendly matches and preparations at their training base ahead of the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The breakdown also shows that approximately $6,284,000 is expected to be spent during Black Stars’ group stage against England, Croatia, and Panama.
In case the Black Stars qualify for the Round of 32, an estimated $690,000 will be spent, with another $920,000 estimated for the round of 16.
Also, $1,137,500 has been proposed for the quarter-finals, and another $1,365,000 for the semi-finals.
Members of the Black Star’s Management Committee are also expected to receive $310,000 as honorarium.
In case the Senior National team reach the final, an additional $1,840,000 will be required, bringing the entire proposed expenditure amount to $13,776,965.
See the detailed breakdown below:
Pre-tournament camping – $1,230,465
Group Stage – $6,284,000
Round of 32 – $690,000
Round of 16 – $920,000
Quarter-final – $1,137,500
Semi-final – $1,365,000
Final – $1,840,000
Honorarium to Management Committee – $310,000
Total – $13,776,965
Watch the video below:
Why should government appropriate $13 million when FIFA will give $10.5 million if we qualify? Dickson Kyere-Duah and Kwadwo Poku clash over funding.#AMShow pic.twitter.com/ye6q8jO9Ng
— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) March 5, 2026