The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, has announced that 500 supporters would be sent to Brazil to enhance the Black Stars� third consecutive World Cup campaign.
�As I speak today I can confirm that 500 supporters from the various supporters unions will be sent to Brazil,� the minister disclosed at a press conference at the Media Centre of the Accra Stadium Monday.
He was quick to add, however, that the figure could swell depending on the outcome of the ongoing fundraising campaign being driven by some selected World Cup ambassadors.
According to Mr Ankrah, who returned from a verification tour of Brazil last Sunday night, the lucky supporters will be flown to the tournament in batches from Friday to Sunday, just in time before the Stars play US in Natal on Monday.
He revealed that the total cost of airfare, accommodation, feeding, and ground transportation per head was $6,000.
He pointed out that the criteria for selection was based on consultations with the leadership of the various unions, their numerical strength and past quotas, as well as consultations with other stakeholders.
The Minister cautioned the fans to be conscious of the fact that the trip, which would see every supporter being entitled to two square meals a day, was to last only for the group stage.
He explained that any further decision on their continued stay in Brazil or otherwise, in case Ghana progressed in the tournament, would largely depend on the availability of funds and other considerations.
In addition to the fans would be 30 journalists selected from both private and public media organisations.
He further disclosed that three tour operators: Travel Matters, African Origin and Sports Tourism and Kenpong Travels and Tours who were shortlisted from a list of applicants would be airlifting the Ghanaian contingent to Brazil.
Mr Ankrah rubbished the outrageous budget on the World Cup ambassadors making the rounds, and promised to come out with the full accounts when the process was complete.
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