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SportsSports Minister account on how AFCON money was spent, claims no money...

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Sports Minister account on how AFCON money was spent, claims no money was paid to the players

Ghana is reported to have spent over $3 million at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast this year, according to Minister of Youth and Sports Mustapha Ussif.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, he said that the Ministry had allocated roughly $8.5 million, of which the Finance Ministry had given $5 million for the competition’s initial phase.

He said that of the $5 million made available, only $3 million was used for per diems, team travel, medical expenses, supplies, logistics, and lodging.

“Mr Speaker, our estimated budget for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament was $8,506,450.00 to cater for the team’s pre-tournament and the Tournament Phases (group stages, 1/16 stage, quarter-final, semi-final and final),” he said.

“Out of the $8,506,450.00, $5,071,840.36 was released by the Ministry of Finance, of which US$3,070,067.81 was spent on per diems, flight arrangements for the team, medicals, equipment, logistics and hospitality. This resulted in a surplus of $2,001,772.55, after our exit from the tournament,” he explained.

Additionally, Mr. Ussif, stated that the Sports Ministry raised almost $400,000 to help the government provide the team with the best possible preparations.

“An amount of US$400,000.00 was received from MTN Ghana. This contributed immensely to the government’s expenditure towards the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.”

Media reports had suggested that the Black Stars players were paid $30,000 each before the final Group B game against Mozambique to motivate them in the crucial match.

But the sports minister said no money was paid to the players as they did not qualify for the next round of the tournament. He explained that it’s a measure adopted to manage the country’s resources.

“Mr Speaker, the Ministry had negotiated to pay bonuses should the team progress to the next round of the tournament, therefore, no qualification bonuses were paid due to the team’s exit at the group stage.

“Mr Speaker, this measure adopted by the Ministry, was aimed at motivating the team to go all out and progress from one stage of the competition to the next and also ensuring prudent management of resources,” he stated.

Ghana exited the AFCON group stage after drawing 2-2 against Mozambique in their final group game.

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