The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that the Ghanaian government has approved a budget of $8.5 million presented by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Ablakwa took to social media to unveil this information, emphasizing the need for transparency in financial matters concerning the national football team.
In his statement, Ablakwa expressed his commitment to revealing essential details that the GFA and the Sports Ministry had allegedly concealed from the public eye. The budget, amounting to GHS 105 million, was described as “astonishing” by the MP, who criticized officials for their apparent attempts to keep the financial details of the Black Stars’ AFCON preparation and participation under wraps.
The MP pledged to provide a breakdown of how the substantial budget was intended to be utilized during the tournament. He accused government and GFA officials of resisting disclosure despite efforts from Parliament and sports journalists, asserting that the Ghanaian people have the right to be informed about such financial matters.
Ablakwa promised further revelations with the statement, “SOA Oversight shall be back with more explosive intercepted documents at 3 pm tomorrow.”
The Black Stars’ performance at the 2023 AFCON fell short of expectations, with a 2-1 defeat to Cape Verde in the opening game and subsequent 2-2 draws against Egypt and Mozambique. The team’s two points and goal deficit resulted in another group-stage exit, mirroring their fate in the 2021 edition of the tournament.