Sports Ministry dismisses claims of funded fan travel to Germany

The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has rejected claims that it sponsored individuals with business class tickets to Germany for Black Stars matches.

In a statement issued on March 29, 2026, and signed by Bagbara Tanko, Head of PR and Communications, the Ministry described the circulating allegations as baseless.

It stressed that “these claims are false and without any basis.”

The clarification follows a viral video suggesting that the Minister financed travel for some individuals to attend the Black Stars’ international friendlies in Germany.

Addressing this directly, the Ministry stated that “the individuals captured in the video are not known to the Minister,” explaining that they were merely encountered “briefly in the departure tunnel at the airport while boarding his flight.”

It further emphasized that the Minister did not travel with any delegation or sponsored persons.

According to the statement, “the Minister travelled alone on an official assignment to engage the Black Stars team and technical staff,” adding that “no staff of the Ministry or any delegation accompanied him on this trip.”

The Ministry was unequivocal on the issue of sponsorship, noting that “no individual was sponsored, facilitated, or upgraded by the Minister or the Ministry.”

It also dismissed suggestions of any financial commitment toward fan travel, stating that it “has not committed any funds, whether from its budget or through corporate sponsorship, towards the two international friendly matches.”

Reinforcing its position, the statement added that “no arrangements or support have been made for fan participation or travel in any form,” urging the public to be guided accordingly.

The Ministry called on the public to disregard the circulating narrative, stating that citizens should “disregard the misleading narratives being circulated.”

It added that it “remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the prudent use of public resources,” as it works to support the development of sports in Ghana.