GTV Explains Black Stars Broadcast Blackout: Financial Constraints Block World Cup Coverage
Accra, Ghana — The Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) has confirmed that it will not be airing the Black Stars’ ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifying matches, citing severe financial challenges that have made it impossible to secure broadcast rights.
For decades, GTV has been the go-to source for Ghanaian football fans, delivering live coverage of the nation’s most iconic sporting moments. However, this tradition has hit a major setback as the state broadcaster struggles to keep up with the escalating costs of acquiring broadcast rights from international agencies.
According to Professor Amin Alhassan, Director-General of GBC, the price demanded for the rights runs into millions of dollars, far exceeding the corporation’s available resources.
“The asking price is simply beyond our budget,” Professor Alhassan explained. “With only about 2% of our income coming from television license fees, our internally generated funds are inadequate to cover such high costs.”
Fans Left in the Dark
The development has left many Ghanaian football fans frustrated, as they will now have to rely on paid subscription platforms or digital streaming services to follow the national team’s journey through the qualifiers. This includes the upcoming fixtures against the Central African Republic and Comoros, which were traditionally available free-to-air.
Call for Government Intervention
Professor Alhassan appealed for greater government support to ensure that GBC can continue providing access to major national and international sporting events.
“Government support is the only guarantee that the public will continue to enjoy high-value broadcasts like Black Stars games,” he emphasized.
Gyan Motivates the Stars
Meanwhile, Ghana’s legendary striker Asamoah Gyan, the country’s all-time top scorer, has sent a rousing message of encouragement to the Black Stars ahead of their crucial qualifying matches. Gyan pledged his mentorship and moral support, urging the team to stay focused as they push toward securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
As the Black Stars prepare to take on the Central African Republic in Meknes for Matchday 9 of the African qualifiers, fans are hoping that despite the broadcast blackout, the team can deliver a performance worthy of national pride and bring Ghana one step closer to qualification.
