Ketu North lawmaker has questioned proposals for the government to finance travel for supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, arguing that the estimated $18 million cost would be better spent developing sports infrastructure to nurture young talent across the country.
Eric Edem Agbana, the Member of Parliament for Ketu North, said the state should prioritize long-term investments that benefit a broader segment of the population rather than sponsor a limited number of spectators to watch football abroad.
“The stark reality is this. Many of those who disagree with me today know very well that if government decides to spend 18 million dollars to send 2,000 fans to the World Cup, they themselves will not be among those selected,” he said. “It will be the same ‘highly connected’ who may get the chance.”
Agbana said the policy choice ultimately comes down to whether scarce public resources should be used for short-term spectacle or investments that can expand opportunities for young athletes. “I have done the calculations. It will cost a minimum of 9,000 dollars per fan just for the group stage matches,” he said.
“Put this into perspective. If I decide that 10 supporters from Ketu North should travel, the state would spend about 90,000 dollars on that single gesture for the group stages alone. With that same amount of money, government can support my constituency to build a simple but modern sports complex that will serve thousands of young people for years to come.”
According to him, directing funds toward facilities and grassroots development would create lasting benefits for communities while helping build a stronger pipeline of athletes for Ghana’s national teams. Agbana stressed that his position does not oppose Ghanaian supporters traveling to watch the national team, but said such trips should be funded privately or through partnerships.
“I also made it clear that my position is not against Ghanaian supporters traveling to cheer our national team. Individuals and groups who can fund themselves can be encouraged and supported through the process.”
“If the state is able to mobilize resources and secure support from the private sector to sponsor such trips, I will have no hesitation whatsoever in supporting the initiative. Public private collaboration for national pride is always welcome.”
Agbana acknowledged that his stance has drawn criticism but said decisions involving public finances must prioritize national development.
“So the real question is simple. Should scarce public resources be used to sponsor a small number of people to watch football abroad, or should those same resources be invested in facilities and opportunities that will benefit generations of Ghanaians?” he said. “For me, the answer is clear. National development must always come before national spectacle.”
