Nana Oduro Sarfo, an Executive Council Member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has reacted to President John Mahama saying the football governing body had to be held accountable for the Black Stars' budget.

“President has been misled in making that statement,” he argued on Takoradi-based Connect FM.

“The GFA does not spend on the Black Stars. The FA submits the budget for approval, and once approved, the Ministry handles all financial matters."

Upon his return to power, President Mahama delivered his maiden State of the Nation Address (SONA) yesterday, Thursday, February 27, 2025, on the floor of Parliament.

He indicated there was to be no more “secrecy” concerning government funds spent on national sports teams.

He charged the Kofi Adams-led Sports & Recreation Ministry with holding the GFA accountable for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers and its budget, while bemoaning the recent poor form of the Black Stars, the national senior male team.

"Next month, the senior national team, the Black Stars, which is now a pale shadow of its former glory, will play two World Cup qualifying matches. I have instructed my Office and the Minister for Sports and Recreation to hold the Ghana Football Association accountable to the people of Ghana as we prepare for these games, especially regarding the budget of the FA," he said. 

Ghana goes up again Chad in Accra on March 21, before taking on Madagascar in Morocco on March 24, ahead of the 2026 global showpiece.