The government’s World Cup ticket programme cost Ghana about $431 per ticket on average, with Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Iddie Adams revealing that $1.26 million was spent to secure 2,922 seats for supporters.
Adams disclosed the figures when he appeared before Parliament’s Select Committee on Youth and Sports on Thursday to account for Ghana’s participation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The government-backed initiative was restricted to the Black Stars’ three group-stage matches and did not extend to their Round of 32 fixture against Colombia.
A total of 948 tickets were secured for the Panama game, followed by 1,000 for England and 974 for the Croatia encounter.
The programme was designed to put Ghanaian supporters in the stands during the group phase, with beneficiaries including selected fans, recognised supporter groups, sponsors, stakeholders and members of the Ghanaian diaspora.
Tickets were distributed electronically through FIFA’s ticketing system. The Ministry had previously indicated that the scheme would end after the group stage, meaning supporters seeking to attend Ghana’s knockout match against Colombia had to make their own arrangements.
Adams’ disclosure gives Parliament a clearer picture of the financial commitment behind the government’s supporter mobilisation effort at the tournament.
The Black Stars began their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Panama, drew 0-0 with England and lost 2-1 to Croatia before advancing to the Round of 32. Their campaign eventually ended with a 1-0 defeat to Colombia in Kansas City.
The Minister’s appearance before Parliament also comes as questions around the wider financial management of Ghana’s World Cup participation continue to receive attention.
Adams separately disclosed that outstanding player bonuses were yet to be paid because of unresolved tax issues.
The latest ticket figures therefore add another significant cost to the financial picture surrounding Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance.
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