Ghana President John Mahama has acknowledged that the country’s image was dented by the off-field controversies surrounding the Black Stars’ participation at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, but insists that lessons have been learned ahead of the 2026 tournament.
During the Brazil World Cup, Ghana’s campaign was overshadowed by administrative chaos and off-field issues, drawing international ridicule. Players threatened to boycott training over unpaid appearance fees, while Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng were sacked from the camp for insubordination. The government had to airlift $3 million to settle the players’ fees, a saga widely reported by global media and seen as a symbol of disorganisation in the management of Ghana football.
President Mahama, who was in his first term at the time, came under intense criticism for the fiasco. In response, he set up a committee led by Justice Senyo Dzamefe to investigate the events, resulting in recommendations for sweeping reforms in the management of the national team and football administration in Ghana.
Speaking to SportyFM after Ghana secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Comoros, Mahama said that steps have been taken to ensure a repeat of the 2014 debacle does not occur.
“[To ensure Brazil doesn’t happen again], there should be discipline and transparency. We believe that this campaign should be a more disciplined campaign. Aside from that, there should be transparency. Often, when decisions are made and funding is opaque, it creates all kinds of rumours and misperceptions in people’s minds,” Mahama said.
He added that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has been encouraged to ensure timely processing of player payments ahead of tournaments. “Brazil 2014 World Cup fiasco dented Ghana’s reputation, but that is all behind us now. We’ve encouraged the GFA to ensure that we are able to process the payments that are due to the players as quickly as possible,” Mahama stated.
According to the President, measures have been put in place to avoid the logistical challenges experienced in 2014. “The players have accounts now, so we can pay the money directly instead of carrying cash physically and giving it to them. As much as possible, we should let the public know what the budget is and what is due to every player. Before the campaign starts, government will put money into the budget. We’re also encouraging the private sector to join,” he said.
Mahama expressed confidence that the 2026 campaign will be more disciplined, transparent, and professionally managed. “That’s why I say the lessons of 2014 have been learned, and I believe this will be a smoother, more disciplined, and transparent campaign,” he added.
Ghana will learn their group opponents on December 5, 2025, when the World Cup draw is held in Washington, D.C.
