Several media reports circulated rumors about a supposed grant of $400 for each Ghanaian fan attending the Egypt match in the second round of the Africa Cup of Nations 2023 group stage.
Amidst the speculation, Egyptian Today undertook an investigative pursuit to verify the authenticity of these claims.
The findings revealed that the reports were baseless and, in fact, the Ghanaian Ministry of Sports allocated a $400 allowance per person to the Ghana Supporters Union, totaling 300 individuals.
This allocation was intended to cover living expenses in Côte d’Ivoire and was not specifically tied to the Egypt match.
As reported by Ivorian newspaper “Citi Sports,” the Ghana Supporters Union held a press conference to disclose the reality of the situation and express fans’ dissatisfaction with the government’s failure to fulfill promises made before their departure to Côte d’Ivoire to support the Black Stars in the Africa Cup of Nations 2023.
According to the reports, fans found themselves struggling for food, water, and suitable accommodation in Abidjan, being prepared even to return to Ghana.
During the press conference, Kasim Owal, the General Secretary of the Ghana Supporters Union, stated emphatically: “We want to categorically confirm that this allegation is false.
Before we embarked on this journey, we were assured that all entitled allowances for living and transportation would be provided before our first match, and before our first match against Cape Verde, a delegation from the Ghanaian Ministry of Youth and Sports came to ensure that each individual received the grant.”
He added, “Our paths were not cut off in Côte d’Ivoire as rumored, and we are well taken care of. Everything we need here has been provided for.”
The match between Egypt and Ghana is scheduled to kick off at 10:00 PM Cairo time.
This game is crucial for both teams’ future in the Africa Cup of Nations, especially following Egypt’s unexpected draw against Mozambique in the opening match and the defeat of Ghana to Cape Verde in the first round.
