AFCON cash delayed by finance Ministry

Ghana’s Sports Ministry is yet to take delivery of the money from the approved budget of the Black Stars for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Sports Ministry had forwarded a letter of approval from the Presidency for the revised budget of Ghana’s campaign at the Nations Cup three weeks ago to the Finance Ministry but is yet to get a favorable response.


The Sports Ministry as a result is racing against time to have the cash ready before the Black Stars travel on Friday for their intensive pre-tournament camp in Abu Dhabi.


GHANAsoccernet.com also understands President John Mahama will be dissolving cabinet in a few days time upon his return from South Africa.


This puts even more pressure on the Ministry of Sports as they are racing against time on two fronts; to meet the Black Stars’ departure and the imminent dissolution of cabinet.


It is however unclear why the approved budget is being delayed since it has received approval from the highest office of the land.

The Ghana FA had presented a budget close to $8m to the Sports Ministry for Ghana’s campaign at the 2013 Nations Cup.


This figure is however believed to have been slashed following a revision of the budget by both parties after enduring an intense media uproar over sections of the proposed expenditure.


The Black Stars will be leaving for Abu Dhabi on Friday where they will be playing two friendly games against Egypt and Tunisia.


The team is expected to arrive in South Africa on January 16 ahead of their first group game four days later against DR Congo.


Ghana will be hoping to end a 31-year-wait for an African title by the time the tournament kicks off on January 19.