The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ketu North, Eric Edem Agbana, has stated that it would not be prudent for the government to use public funds to sponsor Ghanaian supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

In a Facebook post, emphasising sentiments earlier expressed on radio, the MP said his position was based on concerns about the responsible use of public funds, adding that decisions affecting the national purse must be guided by what best serves the country rather than sentiment or popularity.

Mr Agbana acknowledged that his stance had attracted criticism and insults, including from some members of his own party, but said leadership requires the courage to prioritise the national interest.

According to him, his calculations show that it would cost at least $9,000 to send a single fan to watch the group stage matches of the tournament.

He explained that if the government decided to sponsor just 10 supporters from his Ketu North constituency, the cost would amount to about $90,000 for the group stage 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,” he said.

The MP clarified that his position does not oppose Ghanaian supporters travelling to cheer the national team, the Ghana national football team, at the tournament.

He noted that individuals and groups who can fund their own travel could be encouraged and supported, while the government could also explore partnerships with the private sector to sponsor such initiatives.

Mr Agbana added that public-private collaboration in support of national pride would be welcome if the necessary resources could be mobilised.

He further argued that if the government were to spend about $18 million to send 2,000 supporters to the World Cup, the opportunity would likely benefit only a small number of people.

According to him, the key question is whether scarce public resources should be used to sponsor a limited number of fans to watch football abroad or be invested in facilities and opportunities that would benefit generations of Ghanaians.

“For me, the answer is clear,” he said, adding that national development must take precedence over national spectacle.