In a decisive move to restructure football expenditure and enforce accountability, the Minister for Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, has announced the el
In a decisive move to restructure football expenditure and enforce accountability, the Minister for Youth and Sports, Kofi Adams, has announced the elimination of winning bonuses for members of the Black Stars Management Committee.
The decision, revealed during a press briefing in Accra, marks a significant shift in how government funds are allocated within the national football setup.
The announcement comes ahead of Ghana’s upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.
While players will still receive a winning bonus of $5,000 each per victory, the $10,000 sum previously earmarked for each management official after a win has now been discontinued.
This decision aligns with broader government efforts to prioritize efficient spending in sports administration.
Bonuses Amid Poor Performances
Under previous arrangements, both players and officials were rewarded financially for wins, regardless of the team’s overall performance or qualification outcomes.
Notably, during the failed campaign to qualify for the most recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), players reportedly received no bonuses due to the team’s inability to secure key wins.
Yet, members of the management committee still walked away with substantial bonus payments—raising eyebrows among the public and critics of the system.
Kofi Adams directly addressed this disparity, stating, “If for every win we are to pay a winning bonus, what happens if we do not win the number of games to qualify us for the tournament?”
He emphasized that under the new directive, officials will be entitled to daily allowances (per diems) but will no longer receive performance-based bonuses.
Budget Adjustments And Oversight
The Ministry had originally budgeted $1 million for the upcoming qualifiers but later increased the allocation to $1.3 million to cover two fixtures.
According to Adams, this adjustment was made to ensure all operational needs for the games are met without compromising fiscal responsibility.
The Sports Minister framed the reform as a directive from the highest levels of government, reiterating President John Mahama’s stance on the need for prudent management of state resources.
“The president has made it clear: supervise and receive your per diem, but no winning bonus,” Adams said.
Reaction and Broader Implications
This policy change is expected to resonate across the football administrative circles, potentially redefining incentive structures for national team officials.
While player bonuses remain untouched—preserving motivation on the pitch—the decision draws a clear line between performance incentives and supervisory responsibilities.
The Ministry’s move may also serve as a signal to other sectors under public funding, highlighting a renewed emphasis on results-based accountability and financial discipline in the use of public funds.
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