Eric Edem Agbana has proposed that funds that might be used to sponsor fans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup should rather be invested in developing sports infrastructure across Ghana.
According to the Member of I’m Parliament for Ketu North, sending a single supporter to the tournament could cost the government close to $9,000 when expenses such as flights, match tickets, accommodation and allowances are considered.
He explained that if the government planned to sponsor about 2,000 supporters, the total cost could rise to nearly $18 million.
“If you take just one supporter, it will cost around $9,000. If government intends to send about 2,000 supporters, we are talking about roughly $18 million.”
Agbana argued that spreading 2,000 fans across Ghana’s 276 constituencies would result in very few representatives per area, making the initiative less impactful.
“If you asked me to bring even ten people from Ketu North to the World Cup and spend about $90,000, I would rather say use that money to build an AstroTurf or a sports complex in my constituency.”
He added that investing in football pitches and modern training facilities would support youth development and provide long-term benefits for sports in the country.
Agbana also noted that private sponsorship could be explored if supporters need assistance, but government resources should focus on building infrastructure that will help young athletes develop their talents for years to come.