The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, says the government is not in a position to finance trips of supporters to the World Cup in Qatar which starts later this month.
“…in view of the current situation our country finds itself in, the government has decided it won’t be financing supporters to the World Cup,” Ussif said on Thursday at a press briefing to receive financial support for the Black Stars.
In previous tournaments the Black Stars has participated, the Ministry facilitates trips for supporters and other Ghanaians to the host country to support the senior national team.
However, with the current economic state of the country where many are reeling from the impact of the global economic crisis, Mr. Ussif and his sector deem it unfavourable to fly supporters to the Mundial.
“…interested Ghanaians desiring to travel to Qatar for the World Cup,” he said, “can do through Kenpong Travel and Tour, the official travel agency appointed by the Ministry.”
To have supporters in Qatar for the Mundial, “the Ministry of Youth and Sports will, however, continue to appeal to corporate Ghana and the private sector, to support and finance some Ghanaian fans to provide symbolic support for the Black Stars.
“As an alternative measure, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, in collaboration with the Ghanaian Mission in Qatar, will mobilise Ghanaians and other Africans based in Qatar to provide support for the Black Stars.
“Irrespective of the challenges, wherever we are, and everywhere we go, let us rally behind the Black Stars in this World Cup Campaign, Qatar 2022, and give them our unflinching support to make another worthwhile history in their World Cup journey,” he admonished.
Ghana will open its World Cup campaign against Portugal on November 24.
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