Mahama Calls for Transparency in Black Stars Finances, Vows to Revive Ghana’s Sports Glory

President John Mahama has referred to as for an finish to secrecy in budgetary allocations for Ghana’s nationwide soccer groups, significantly the Black Stars, emphasizing that taxpayers deserve full accountability for the way their cash is spent.

During his February 27 State of the Nation Address, Mahama directed his workplace and the Sports Ministry to make sure the Ghana Football Association (GFA) operates transparently, signaling a shift towards larger oversight in sports activities financing.

“The Black Stars belong to the people of Ghana, and the people have a right to know how their taxes are used,” Mahama declared. “There will be no secrecy in how much the government spends on the national teams. I have directed that the GFA be held accountable.”

The President’s remarks come amid rising discontent over the Black Stars’ current poor performances, together with early exits from main tournaments and allegations of mismanagement. Critics have lengthy questioned the GFA’s dealing with of funds, with requires audits into participant bonuses, journey bills, and sponsorship offers. Mahama’s directive goals to revive public belief within the staff, which he described as “a pale shadow of its former self.”

Mahama additionally outlined plans to revitalize Ghana’s sports activities infrastructure, promising to refurbish current stadiums and construct extra youth useful resource facilities to nurture native expertise. “We must invest in our youth and provide the facilities they need to excel,” he stated, linking sports activities growth to nationwide delight and financial alternative.

The announcement was met with cautious optimism. Sports analysts welcomed the give attention to transparency however burdened that accountability should lengthen past budgets. “The GFA’s issues aren’t just financial—they’re structural,” stated Kwame Osei, a sports activities journalist. “Reforms must address governance, talent scouting, and grassroots development.”

For followers, the stakes are private. The Black Stars, as soon as an emblem of African soccer excellence, have struggled to copy previous glories, leaving supporters disillusioned. “We pour our hearts into this team, but we’re kept in the dark about where the money goes,” stated Kofi Adjei, a taxi driver and avid soccer fan. “Transparency is a good start, but we need results on the pitch.”

As Mahama’s administration strikes to implement these adjustments, the problem lies in balancing fiscal accountability with the pressing want to revive Ghana’s sporting fame. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers looming, the strain is on to translate guarantees into progress—each within the boardroom and on the sphere.