‘Why create confusion’ – Kurt Okraku on making Black Stars finances public

Introduction

The debate over financial transparency in Ghanaian football has intensified following comments by Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku. In early 2025, President John Mahama announced an end to secrecy regarding government spending on national teams, directing the Sports Ministry to publish budgets. This move specifically targets the Black Stars, Ghana’s senior male national football team, amid preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. However, Okraku has raised pointed questions about the selective focus, arguing that it creates unnecessary confusion without addressing broader financial governance in sports. This article delves into the core issues, contextual background, and multifaceted analysis of this controversy, offering a pedagogical exploration of transparency, legal frameworks, and practical steps for stakeholders. By examining Okraku’s stance, government policies, and the operational realities of the GFA, we aim to provide a clear, verifiable, and SEO-friendly resource that informs readers on the intersection of sports management, public accountability, and national pride in Ghana.

Key Points

Based on the original report from Life Pulse Daily and verified public statements, the following are the essential elements of this discussion:

Okraku’s Stance on Transparency

Kurt Okraku, as GFA President, explicitly stated he has no inherent objection to making the Black Stars’ finances public. However, he questioned the rationale behind targeting only the Black Stars, asking why similar transparency isn’t demanded for “each promotion of the financial environment” in Ghanaian sports. He emphasized that the GFA operates as a private entity, suggesting that selective disclosure fosters confusion without tangible benefits. His full quote to Asaase Radio was: “I don’t have any downside with making the Black Stars finances public. But why are we not asking each promotion of the financial environment to make their budgets public, and why only Black Stars? Why create confusion where there’s no use for confusion? The GFA is a private entity. We live and waste our time on things which are unnecessary.”

Government Directive and Budget Changes

During the State of the Nation Address in February 2025, President Mahama declared an end to secrecy in government spending on national teams, instructing the Ministry of Youth and Sports to publish all related budgets. Subsequently, Sports Minister Kofi Adams disclosed a significant budget reduction for the Black Stars’ September 2025 World Cup qualifiers—from $2 million to $1.3 million. The minister also confirmed that finances for the main 2026 World Cup tournament, starting June 11, 2026, would be made public. This aligns with broader governmental efforts to enhance fiscal transparency across public sectors.

Upcoming Black Stars Fixtures

The Black Stars have a packed schedule leading to the 2026 World Cup. They face Panama on June 17, 2025, followed by group stage matches against England and Croatia in Group L. Additionally, preparatory matches include a clash with Austria on March 27, Germany on March 30, and Mexico on May 22, 2025. These fixtures underscore the team’s active campaign and the financial commitments involved.

Contextual Nuances

Okraku’s reference to “promotions of the financial environment” likely alludes to various revenue-generating activities in football, such as sponsorship deals, broadcasting rights, and matchday earnings, which are managed by the GFA and other stakeholders. His argument centers on consistency: if transparency is the goal, it should apply uniformly across all financial aspects of sports, not just government-funded team expenditures.

Background

To fully grasp this controversy, it is crucial to understand the historical and institutional landscape of Ghanaian football and the specific roles of the entities involved.

History of the Ghana Football Association (GFA)

Established in 1957, the GFA is the governing body for football in Ghana, responsible for overseeing all national teams, including the Black Stars, as well as domestic leagues like the Ghana Premier League. It operates as a private, non-governmental organization affiliated with FIFA and CAF. Historically, the GFA has managed its finances independently, though it receives government subsidies for national team activities. This dual relationship—private governance with public funding—often leads to tensions over accountability. For instance, past scandals, such as the 2018 “Number 12” exposé, revealed corruption and mismanagement, prompting calls for reform. The GFA’s legal status as a private entity means it is not directly subject to public procurement laws, but government funds injected into team operations introduce public interest considerations.

Government Involvement in National Teams

The Ghanaian government, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, funds aspects of national team operations, including travel, accommodation, and bonuses for players and staff. This funding is part of the national budget, allocated to promote sports development and national prestige. President Mahama’s 2025 announcement reflects a policy shift toward openness, possibly driven by public demand for accountability after economic challenges and scrutiny of sports spending. The directive to publish budgets aims to demystify how taxpayer money is used, especially for high-profile teams like the Black Stars, which command significant public attention.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Context

Ghana is competing in the CAF qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, with the final tournament set for June 2026. The qualifiers involve multiple matchdays across 2025 and 2026, requiring substantial financial resources. The disclosed budget cut—from $2 million to $1.3 million for September 2025 qualifiers—suggests fiscal constraints or reallocation of funds. This reduction has sparked debates about adequate funding for team success versus prudent economic management. The Black Stars’ fixtures, including friendlies against Austria, Germany, and Mexico, are part of strategic preparations, adding layers to financial planning.

Public and Media Perception

In Ghana, the Black Stars are more than a football team; they are a symbol of national unity and pride. Consequently, any discussion about their finances attracts widespread media coverage and public interest. Life Pulse Daily’s framing of Okraku’s comments as “Why create confusion” highlights the polarizing nature of the issue. Critics argue that transparency can curb corruption and boost fan trust, while others, like Okraku, see it as a diversion from deeper systemic issues in sports financing.

Analysis

This section critically examines the implications of making Black Stars finances public, weighing Okraku’s arguments against the government’s transparency drive, and exploring legal, ethical, and operational dimensions.

Legal and Institutional Frameworks

The core of Okraku’s objection lies in the GFA’s status as a private entity. Under Ghanaian law, private organizations are not mandated to disclose finances publicly unless they receive specific public funds or are subject to regulatory oversight. However, when government money is involved, principles of public accountability may apply. The Public Financial Management Act (2016) requires transparency in the use of public funds, but its applicability to funds transferred to private entities like the GFA is ambiguous. Legal experts note that if the Sports Ministry allocates budget to the GFA for Black Stars’ activities, those expenditures could be considered public funds, necessitating disclosure. Yet, the GFA’s internal finances—such as sponsorship revenues—remain private. This gray area fuels the confusion Okraku mentions. A balanced approach might involve auditing government-funded portions while respecting the GFA’s autonomy over other revenues.

Transparency vs. Selective Disclosure

Okraku’s rhetorical question—”why only Black Stars?”—points to a lack of consistency in transparency efforts. In Ghana, other sports disciplines and national teams (e.g., Black Queens, youth teams) also receive public funding but are rarely highlighted. Moreover, “promotions of the financial environment” could refer to commercial activities like league sponsorships or player transfer fees, which are opaque. Selective transparency risks undermining trust; it may imply that Black Stars’ finances are uniquely problematic or that the government is politicizing sports. Conversely, advocates argue that starting with the most visible team sets a precedent. The key is to develop a comprehensive policy covering all publicly funded sports initiatives, not just ad hoc disclosures.

Impact on Football Governance and Performance

Financially, the budget cut for qualifiers raises questions about resource adequacy. The Black Stars’ success depends on proper funding for training, logistics, and player incentives. Reduced budgets could affect morale and performance, though efficient management might mitigate this. From a governance perspective, transparency can deter mismanagement and corruption, as seen in other countries where published budgets led to improved oversight. However, excessive focus on finances might distract from tactical and developmental issues. Okraku’s frustration suggests that the debate is becoming a “waste of time” that could be better spent on grassroots football or infrastructure. Pedagogically, this underscores the need for holistic sports management: financial accountability should be part of a broader strategy including coaching, youth development, and fan engagement.

Broader Implications for Sports in Ghana

This controversy reflects a global trend toward demanding transparency in sports. Bodies like FIFA and the IOC emphasize financial integrity, but implementation varies. For Ghana, aligning with international best practices could enhance its reputation and attract investment. Yet, the GFA’s private status complicates matters; imposing public disclosure requirements might conflict with its statutes. A collaborative solution—such as a memorandum of understanding