SONA 2025: Mahama insist on transparency in Black Stars budget, pledging to restore Ghana’s sport excellence

President John Dramani Mahama has urged to bring any secrecy in budgetary allocation for Ghana’s national football teams to an end especially the Black Stars, stressing that the people of Ghana have the right to know the accountability upon how their money is spent.

As part of the February 27th State of the National Address (SONA), President Mahama instructed his office and the Sports Ministry to make sure the Ghana Football Association (GFA) operates with accountability, signaling a shift bound for tighter control in sports financing.

He stated that “The Black Stars belongs to the citizens of Ghana, and they have every right to know how and what their taxes are used for. There will be no secrecy in how much the government spends on the national teams. I have directed that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to be held accountable”.

This remarks by the President come in the face of growing discontent over the recent poor performance of the Black Stars including the early exist from the major tournaments. Directive issued by President Mahama aims to restore public trust in the team describing it as “a pale shadow of its former self”.

He also outlined the plans to restore Ghana’s sports infrastructure, pledging to rebuild the existing stadiums and raise more youth resource centers to nurture local talents by saying “We must invest in our youth and provide the facilities needed for them to excel”.

Analysts in sports accepted the fact about transparency, but stressed that true accountability must go beyond budgetary allocation. Kwame Osei, a sports journalist said “The GFA’s issue aren’t just financial but structural. Reform must rather address governance,  scouting of talented players and the development grassroots”.

Kofi Adjei, a fan of football and a taxi driver as well said “We pour our heart into this  team, but we are kept in the dark about where the money goes”.

As Mahama’s government moves to carry out these changes, the problem lies in balancing financial obligation with immediate need to restore the reputation of Ghana’s sports. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup is approaching, this is the time the President has to turn all promises into reality concerning Ghana’s sports.