Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Iddie Adams, has admitted that Ghana is not yet fully prepared for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup but assured that systems have been put in place to ensure the country is ready when the tournament begins.
Speaking in an interview with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Monday, March 30, the minister responded candidly to questions about the nation’s readiness both on the pitch with the Black Stars and in terms of broader national preparations.
“I can’t say we are 100% ready, but we have set systems in place that we will be ready when we have to be ready. Financially, the government has committed some budgetary funds for the team as we saw in the 2026 budget,” he said.
Mr. Adams explained that preparation for the World Cup extends far beyond the performance of the Black Stars, noting that several national activities and promotional efforts are also being planned to showcase the country.
“World Cup goes beyond the team, just the Black Stars playing. There are a number of things that you have to do. There are a number of activations you want to do because you want to also promote the country beyond just the 90 minutes that they will play,” he stated.
The minister revealed that the government has budgeted a total of $30 million for Ghana’s overall World Cup campaign, covering both team-related expenses and promotional activities.
“So we have other things we do — that was what we put all together giving us a figure of $30 million. There is an appropriation in the World Cup that is about $16 million which the team can utilise during the World Cup, if we are staying from group to the finals. Their feeding, training, hotel accommodation, per diems, bonuses — it is part of the tradition that we have. Bonuses are not things that are bad,” he added.
His comments come amid heightened scrutiny of the Black Stars following a string of poor results, including recent friendly defeats to Austria and Germany, and come a day after the Ghana Football Association parted ways with head coach Otto Addo.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to kick off in June, with Ghana drawn in a challenging group alongside Croatia, England, and Panama.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Football association (GFA) has announced that the Otto Addo has been relieved of his position as Black Stars head coach.
The announcement was contained in a statement by GFA issued early on Tuesday following a double defeat to Austria and Germany in the recent international break.