Sports Minister Kofi Adams defends delay in releasing Black Stars Budget

Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams has addressed public concerns. These concerns are about the undisclosed budget for the Black Stars’ recent World Cup qualifying matches. The matches were against Chad and Madagascar.

Adams' choice to withhold financial details has sparked debate. This is especially true after President John Mahama called for transparency in national team spending.

In an interview on Channel One TV's Face-to-Face program, Adams reassured Ghanaians. He stated that the budget would be made public at the right time. He emphasized avoiding distractions during the team's preparations.

“I am not hiding the budget for Black Stars,” Adams said. “You will know it when the time is right.” He highlighted upcoming fixtures as a priority.

The Black Stars achieved significant victories recently. They defeated Chad 5-0 in Accra on March 21. They also won against Madagascar 3-0 in Morocco on March 24. These wins have placed Ghana at the top of Group I with 15 points, boosting their World Cup bid.

Despite these successes, criticism continues over the delayed budget disclosure. Sports journalists and fans argue that transparency is vital for public trust. President Mahama stressed that national team budgets should be accessible to taxpayers in his State of the Nation Address.

The Minister’s assurance comes as reports indicate urgency from Parliament. The Parliamentary Select Committee for Youth & Sports wants Adams to brief the media soon about the budget. As Ghana prepares for future qualifiers against Chad and Mali, discussions about financial transparency continue, with fans eager for updates.