Accra (Ghana), June 10: Ghana will sponsor 500 fans to cheer the national team, the Black Stars, at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, a senior official has confirmed here.

Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, minister of youth and sports, told the media that the airlifting of the supporters will take off this coming weekend with the possibility of the number increasing as the tournament progresses, reports Xinhua.

"As for the number of supporters, I can confirm 500, as of today," he said.

"I mentioned that as of today because we are still redeeming pledges and therefore there is the possibility that the number will rise. I am confident that we will be able to go beyond this number but then I can confirm 500," said Afriyie-Ankrah.

Ghana will play the US on June 16 before coming up against Germany and Portugal

Concerns have been raised over the state's use of consolidated funds to transport thousands of fans to support national teams during major international events. Some believe it is a waste of tax payers' money and considering the present economic hardships facing the country, it wasn't prudent to expend millions of US dollars for such purposes.

But the Ghanaian government stated in March that it would not use money from the consolidated fund to sponsor fans to support the Black Stars. The Black Stars are currently fine-tuning in Miami, Florida, ahead of the World Cup, beginning Thursday.

Ghana will play the US on June 16 before coming up against Germany and Portugal in the preliminary group.

IANS