Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams has outlined government’s plans to channel Ghana’s FIFA World Cup earnings into long-term sports development, following the passage of the Ghana Sports Fund Bill by Parliament.
Explaining the thinking behind the legislation, Adams said the timing was deliberate, with a focus on maximising benefits from Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“If you look at the rationale behind the bill we presented to Parliament, one of our main objectives was to take advantage of the current period in preparation for the FIFA World Cup. Once the bill is signed into law, it becomes an act,” he told Citi Sports.
Adams revealed that World Cup-related earnings will serve as a key funding source for the Sports Fund.
“One source is earnings from tournaments. For instance, FIFA will award us $9 million, while the $1.5 million is allocated for preparation. Unless there are unavoidable costs, the $9 million will go directly into the fund,” he noted.
According to the minister, monies paid into the fund will be used in a structured and transparent manner, with a strong emphasis on infrastructure development.
“Once in the fund, there will be structured utilisation. For the first time, we can have infrastructure and facilities that are a direct result of our World Cup participation,” Adams said.
He added that government intends to clearly demonstrate the tangible benefits of Ghana’s World Cup appearance.
“We intend to showcase projects that demonstrate what we have achieved through our participation in the 2026 World Cup,” he stated.
Adams also highlighted the financial incentives tied to on-field performance at the tournament.
“If we progress to the next round of 32 teams, there’s an additional $3 million, and advancing further to the round of 16 adds another $4 million. The further we go, the greater the returns. We just have to perform, and I believe we can be among the top four,” he concluded.
Under FIFA’s expanded 48-team tournament format, each qualified nation is guaranteed a minimum of $10.5 million, made up of $9 million in prize money for group-stage participation and $1.5 million dedicated to preparation costs.