The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu North, Eric Edem Agbana, has called on the government to refrain from using public funds to sponsor Ghanaian supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the move as an inefficient use of scarce resources.
In an interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Monday, March 9, the legislator argued that the substantial costs involved would burden the national treasury while offering limited benefits to only a handful of people.
Agbana estimated that sponsoring a single supporter for just the group stage of the tournament would cost the government approximately $9,000. This figure covers flight tickets, match tickets, accommodation, and a modest feeding allowance.
He illustrated the scale of the potential expenditure by noting that sending 2,000 supporters, a commonly discussed number in such initiatives, would amount to about $18 million.
“Spread the 2,000 across 276 constituencies, what it means is that each constituency will have less than 10,” Agbana explained.
“If you ask me to bring even 10 people from Ketu North to go to the World Cup and you will spend close to $90,000, I will tell you that please use that to construct an AstroTurf or a sports complex for me in Ketu North.”
The MP stressed the need to redirect such funds toward more impactful investments, particularly in grassroots sports development and infrastructure.
“I do not think that the government should use public funds to take supporters to the World Cup,” he stated firmly.
However, Agbana clarified that he would support the initiative if it were financed by private sector partners or corporate sponsors rather than taxpayer money.
The comments come amid ongoing discussions about Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, following the Black Stars’ qualification efforts.