After weeks of public speculations, the
Sports Ministry has eventually revealed that government approved about
GH₵17.9million to fund Ghana’s participation in the AFCON 2015 event in
Equatorial Guinea.
Sports Minister Mahama Ayariga revealed the
figures while taking questions on the floor of Parliament Wednesday. The
minister had expressed unwillingness to reveal details of the budget before the
tournament.
He had asked that Ghanaians wait until after
the tournament when he would reveal the details of the expenditure.
Ghana placed second after losing on penalties
to Ivory Coast. While the players have received a arousing welcome for their
heroics, government is confronted by a Parliament determined to know how much
the tournament cost the nation.
According to the Minister, GH₵ 17,919,392.70
was the sum of government’s commitment to the preparation and adventures of the
Black Stars the tournament in which they won silver.
Giving the breakdown, he said GH₵ 3,242,580 and
$932,740 was spent on camping the players in Seville, Spain where the Black
Stars played a number of friendly matches.
The money ws used to pay for boarding,
airfare, lodging bills, per diems and other expenses of the team while in
Spain.
For the actual tournament, Ayariga said
$608,640 was approved for per diems, boarding, lodging and other expenses for
the players and officials.
The players, technical, and management teams
as well as other officials received $3,224,139.20 as honorarium.
Joy News’ Parliamentary Correspondent reports
that Parliament has asked the Minister to provide a proper breakdown of the
figures.
Public interest in budgetary allocations to
the Black Stars has increased following an inquiry into the financial systems
of the Ghana Football Association and its dealings with government.
Public skepticism stems from the perception
that there are corruption and back-door dealings with the nation’s favorite
passion – football.
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