Ghana’s Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, has defended the allocation of $3 million during the national football team’s 11-day stay in Côte d’Ivoire.
The breakdown of the expenses was presented to the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports, Culture, and Tourism, chaired by Kwabena Mensah Woyome.
In his presentation, Ussif detailed that the funds were spent on per diem for the team and staff, travel costs, including domestic flights for a friendly match in Kumasi, healthcare, accommodation, and feeding expenses. He emphasized that these expenditures were essential for the team’s preparation and participation in the tournament.
Ussif also addressed how funds from Ghana’s World Cup participation since 2006 have been used, specifically noting that $2.8 million was allocated to upgrade hotel facilities at Prampram through the Football Association.
In response to criticism labeling him as Ghana’s “worst Sports Minister,” Ussif defended his record, dismissing the claims despite recent struggles in major sporting events.
Report by Dede Davies
