Accra: The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has supported President John Dramani Mahama's call for transparency regarding the budgets of various national teams. In his State of the Nation (SONA) address last Thursday, President Mahama emphasised the need for national team budgets to be made public.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama stated that the GFA has to be accountable to the taxpayers and that budgets will not be shrouded in secrecy. The GFA has acknowledged and supported calls made by President Mahama in relation to the budgeting and expenditure related to the Black Stars and all national teams.
The GFA highlighted its commitment to transparency, stating that it has always provided the Ministry responsible for Sports with the first draft budget for the national teams. The association clarified that all matters related to the budgeting and expenditure for the Black Stars are managed by the Ministry. The GFA expressed its willingness to support the Ministry of Sports and Recreation in ensuring transparency.
Additionally, the GFA responded to President Mahama's remark about the Black Stars not performing up to expectations. The President observed that the team's failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) does not reflect the country's football talent. The GFA took comfort in Ghana's current position at the top of its World Cup qualifying group and has taken steps to enhance the management and technical team of the Black Stars. These measures are expected to impact the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The GFA reiterated its readiness to collaborate with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to fulfil the hopes of all Ghanaians.
