Ghanaian veteran sports journalist and analyst Jerome Otchere has praised the government’s decision to slash the Black Stars’ budget for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, describing it as a long-overdue correction to unfair practices in team management and a relief for taxpayers.
Otchere said shifting management committee members from hefty winning bonuses to per diems closes a gap that had long undermined fairness. “Black Stars management committee members will have per diems, not the fat, unconscionable winning bonuses, presents a cure for an immorality perpetuated not only against the players but ultimately against the hardworking taxpayers of Ghana,” he said.
“Of what real point were management committee members of the team earning the same or more than the players in terms of winning bonuses? The decision is triumph for all who have long advocated against this grave injustice to the players, the technical team and the supreme interest of Ghana football/sports.”
Beyond bonuses, Otchere warned against what he termed the “undue monetisation” and “dollarisation” of the Black Stars, arguing that the national team’s finances have too often been inflated at the expense of wider sports development. “The cut in Black Stars’ budget sends good signals. Optics-wise, it’s safe to assume that right steps are being taken not only to ensure prudent financial management but also to halt the undue monetisation (dollarisation of the Black Stars) at the expense of other pressing football and sports development matters,” he said.
Otchere commended Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams and the government for the budget reforms, though he cautioned that sustained oversight will be needed. “Six months in office now and perhaps it’s still a little too early to hail Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Adams. Nonetheless, I commend him and the government for the decisions on the Ghana Black Stars budget and the disclosure,” he said.
He stressed that Ghana’s national teams, as state-owned entities, must always be managed in the best interests of the public. “Our national teams are state-owned. Those who are entrusted with their handling must serve the best interests of the state, not unconscionably make money or waste public funds. Since 2014, I have been an unrepentant advocate for proper financial management of the Black Stars,” Otchere said.
Comparing Adams’ approach to that of former Sports Minister Nii Lante Vanderpuye, Otchere said both demonstrate resolve in the face of resistance. “A hint of that was given by former Sports Minister, Nii Lante Vanderpuye. He faced some opposition for his open, no-nonsense style. Kofi Adams appears calm but firm. Yesterday, he gave some good vibes in quite an assuring manner. Kofi, like Nii, may not please everyone with the measures being taken but then the course he’s on, is a positive one and must be supported,” he added.
