Brazil 2014: Ministry still silent on supporters’ budget

Despite many calls from Ghanaians for the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS) to make known the amount received so far in terms of sponsorship for the supporters who will be airlifted to Brazil, the ministry has decided to remain silent on it.

At a press conference held by the sector minister, Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, on issues arising from Ghana’s preparation towards the tournament, the Minister disclosed that he was not in the position to make known the amount received so far.

He, however, was able to state categorically that the ministry will be airlifting 500 supporters to Brazil at a cost of at least $6,000 per head.

He said profiling of the various supporters, which is compulsory, is currently ongoing and it is an exercise to ensure there are no security issues with their Brazilian counterparts.

The Minister, who was in the company of some members of the World Cup planning committee, also stated that three travel and tour operators were shortlisted to provide services for the supporters while three caterers were also selected to provide local meals for the Ghanaian village to be put up in Brazil.

He said the organisation has been well intentioned so as to reap multiple glories for the country; notably football glory, trade and investment glory, and cultural displays.

Afriyie-Ankrah said Ghanaians going to Brazil will need a place where they can gather, showcase Ghana, be entertained and unwind.

He explained that the Ghana activation centre in Brazil will be the market for showing made-in-Ghana goods, kente weaving and where exhibitors will display goods from Ghana.

The centre, he said, will also share Ghana’s rich cultural heritage with the world in Brazil. A few Ghanaian artistes will also be performing at the centre to entertain Ghanaians and other prospects who love Ghanaian music.

He also assured Ghanaians who are unable to travel to Brazil that they would still feel the World Cup fever right here in Ghana, and assured Ghanaians that activation centres and fan parks will be set up in various parts of the country.