NPP's Kwadwo Poku clashes with NDC MP over Black Stars World Cup budget

A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communications team, Kwadwo Poku, engaged in a heated exchange with the Member of Parliament for Berekum West, Dickson Kyere-Duah, over the Black Stars’ proposed budget for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

During a panel discussion on the AM Show aired on JoyNews on February 5, 2026, the NPP stalwart raised concerns about the government’s intention to allocate $13 million as the expected budget for the tournament.

He argued that since the nation cannot recoup the same amount from the competition, it is not financially prudent to commit such funds to the team.

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“With the money we spend, do we get it back? If they get $10 million for qualifying, why is the government of Ghana giving them $13 million? FIFA, who is organizing the tournament, gives you $10 million, that’s how much they think you need to spend to participate. I agree. But I’m saying, listen, for your preparation to come to the World Cup, you are given $10 million.

"If that money has been given, why is the government also appropriating $13 million on top of the $10 million? Every World Cup, at the end of it, there’s a problem. You’re only looking at the sporting benefits. The point you are missing is that in November 2025, we did the 2026 budget,” he argued.

Throughout his remarks, the NDC MP interjected to counter his claims, insisting that the budget reflects government’s eagerness to help the team prepare adequately.

He explained that the expenditure depends on how far the team will progress in the tournament and does not mean the full $13 million will be spent if the team exits at the group stage.

“The president is taking proactive measures. The money is coming from FIFA. By merely qualifying without touching a ball, you get $10.5 million. Budgeting doesn’t mean it is spent from the start to the final. If you’re eliminated after the group stage, you will not spend all the $13 million. After every match, you’re also given additional money."

"The point I’m making is that you have a president who does not treat sports as an afterthought, and we are fully prepared. Are you against us going to the World Cup?” he questioned.

This clash comes after the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, announced a proposed budget of GH¢146,268,659.80 for the Black Stars as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Watch the video below:

Why should government appropriate $13 million when FIFA will give $10.5 million if we qualify? Dickson Kyere-Duah and Kwadwo Poku clash over funding.#AMShow pic.twitter.com/ye6q8jO9Ng

— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) March 5, 2026

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