The Minority caucus in Parliament alleges that the driver and secretary of Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams who were sponsored to travel to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have yet to return to Ghana. The allegation was made in Accra as part of broader concerns over transparency in Black Stars expenditure. The Minority is demanding full audit of the delegation list and costs.
The caucus claims that the 2 personal staff were included in the official travel list funded by the state and have overstayed beyond the tournament period. Members argue that such inclusion inflates budget and raises questions about selection criteria. They insist that the Ministry must publish names, roles and expenses of all travelers to the United States.
The allegation forms part of the Minority demand for greater accountability over Ghana spending and arrangements for the tournament. Lawmakers say government earlier disclosed that 250000 dollars was spent on Black Stars Management Committee out of a 272000 dollars allocation. They want clarification on whether personal staff spending was captured under that vote.
In Ghana, parliamentary oversight of sports expenditure is anchored in the Public Financial Management Act 2016 Act 921 which requires ministries to account for public funds. The Ministry of Youth and Sports coordinates Black Stars logistics with the Ghana Football Association. Like evergreen systems such as the Computerized School Selection and Placement System for school placement, WASSCE grading from A1 to F9, Free SHS funding model, Energy Commission licensing for electricians and Galamsey laws under the Minerals and Mining Act, sports funding depends on transparent procurement and audit, and according to the Minority caucus in Parliament the alleged absconding raises immigration and accountability risks.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being co hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, making it the largest edition in history. Ghana qualified after strong qualifiers and government promised prudent spending. Previous tournaments were marred by reports of officials overstaying abroad, prompting calls for stricter travel vetting.
The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has yet to officially respond to the allegation at the time of filing this report. Observers expect the Minister to appear before Parliament to provide details. The public awaits clarity on the whereabouts of the 2 staff and implications for future state sponsored travel.
Source: #Howedey.com
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Author: Korkor Anumu
