The government will not fund travel for supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, President John Dramani Mahama has confirmed, citing the high cost involved and recommendations in the Dzamepe Report.

Speaking at the Ghana World Cup fundraising campaign on Friday, March 20, 2026, President Mahama said the state cannot justify the financial burden of flying fans to support the Black Stars in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“In consonance with the Dzamepe report, the government has no plans to allocate public funds to fly supporters to the World Cup,” he said.

Fans celebrate at a watch party at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) in Accra as Ghana scores against South Korea during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on November 28, 2022. Ghana’s Black Stars are making their fourth World Cup appearance. (Photo by Ernest Ankomah/Getty Images)

He explained that even a modest effort to support a small group of fans would come at an enormous cost.

“The logistical support of flying and accommodating even just 200 supporters is staggering,” Mahama noted. “The estimated cost for just 200 supporters is close to $2 million dollars.”

Fans watch as Ghana plays Portugal in their first game of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on November 24, 2022 at the Honeysuckle Pub and Restaurant in Accra, Ghana. Ghana’s Black Stars are making their fourth World Cup appearance. (Photo by Ernest Ankomah/Getty Images)

President Mahama stressed that while the passion of Ghanaian supporters is crucial, public funds must be directed toward more pressing national priorities, such as job creation.

“We all want to see our fans in the stands, but we must be responsible in how we use public resources,” he added.

The decision means supporters hoping to travel to the 2026 tournament will have to rely on private means, sponsorship, or fundraising initiatives as Ghana prepares for another appearance on football’s biggest stage.