The Member of Parliament for Ketu North, Eric Edem Agbana, has sparked debate by cautioning against the use of government funds to sponsor Ghanaian supporters to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a Facebook post and earlier radio remarks, Mr. Agbana emphasized the need for responsible use of public resources, arguing that decisions affecting the national budget should prioritize long-term development over short-term popularity.
Calculations presented by the MP indicate that sending a single fan to the tournament’s group stage could cost around $9,000, meaning that sponsoring just ten fans from his constituency would total $90,000. He suggested that such funds could instead finance a modern sports complex capable of benefiting thousands of young people for years.
“The choice is between funding a football spectacle for a few or creating lasting facilities that empower generations,” Mr. Agbana stated, adding that his position is not against fans attending the World Cup. Individuals and groups able to cover their own expenses could be supported, and public-private partnerships could help sponsor such initiatives without straining government coffers.
He warned that a government-funded program to send 2,000 supporters at an estimated $18 million would only serve a small fraction of Ghanaians, questioning the opportunity cost of such spending.
While acknowledging that his stance has drawn criticism, including from members of his own party, the MP insisted that national development must take precedence over entertainment, urging policymakers to focus on projects that yield long-term social and economic benefits.
This perspective adds to the growing conversation about prioritizing public funds for infrastructural and community development rather than high-profile sporting events.
