Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and efficient visa process for Ghanaians intending to travel to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to be one of the largest sporting events in history, drawing millions of fans from around the world. For many Ghanaians, the World Cup represents more than just football—it is a moment of national pride and an opportunity to showcase Ghana’s vibrant football culture on the global stage.
Speaking in an interview with Joy Sports, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu emphasised that government institutions are already working collaboratively to remove potential bottlenecks and guarantee a stress-free visa acquisition process for Ghanaian supporters. He explained that the initiative is part of a broader effort to make international travel easier for citizens participating in or attending major global events.
“As a government, we have a duty to at all times look out for the interests of the people of Ghana,” he said. “The Foreign Ministry has acted proactively by engaging the necessary authorities in the host countries to ensure that the visa process for Ghanaians is smooth, transparent, and efficient.”
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu, who also serves as Member of Parliament for Abura Asebu-Kwamankese, praised the level of inter-ministerial cooperation that has gone into the planning process. He disclosed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) have been holding a series of strategic meetings with officials from the US Embassy and the Canadian High Commission in Accra.
These engagements, he said, are aimed at aligning Ghana’s visa facilitation systems with the requirements of the host nations while ensuring that the process remains accessible to all categories of travellers—including fans, journalists, and members of the football fraternity.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu revealed that the discussions had yielded promising outcomes. According to him, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has been instrumental in spearheading diplomatic conversations with foreign missions to secure practical arrangements ahead of the tournament.
“The meetings have been very productive,” he noted. “Minister Ablakwa has led positive engagements with the embassies, and the feedback we’ve received so far has been encouraging. We are confident that the process will be well coordinated for the benefit of every Ghanaian planning to attend the 2026 World Cup.”
Ghana’s qualification for the global showpiece has already sparked excitement across the country. Supporters’ groups, travel agencies, and corporate bodies are gearing up to organize packages for fans eager to witness the Black Stars in action on football’s biggest stage. The government’s assurance, therefore, comes as a timely boost for many who feared possible bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining travel documents.
Mr. Ablakwa, in a social media post, confirmed that discussions with Mexican officials will soon be held to complete Ghana’s comprehensive visa facilitation plan. The initiative, he said, forms part of a larger framework to strengthen Ghana’s diplomatic relations and enhance mobility opportunities for citizens.
He expressed optimism that with early engagement and effective coordination, Ghanaian fans will experience a smooth travel process. “Our approach is not just about the World Cup—it’s about building long-term cooperation that makes travel easier for Ghanaians around the world,” he stated.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has also welcomed the development, describing it as a major step toward ensuring that Ghana’s presence at the World Cup is well represented by both the national team and its passionate supporters. Officials from the ministry hinted that they are working closely with the GFA to coordinate travel logistics and fan experiences that reflect Ghana’s unity and spirit.
Analysts have praised the government’s proactive stance, noting that early preparation is crucial for avoiding the challenges that often accompany large-scale international events. The 2026 World Cup, which will feature an expanded 48-team format, is expected to host matches in 16 cities across the three countries—making coordination and travel arrangements even more complex.
For many Ghanaians, the excitement of qualification is coupled with expectations of improved organization. Football commentator Michael Oti Adjei described the government’s intervention as “a necessary and commendable move,” noting that it demonstrates recognition of the passion Ghanaians have for football.
“Fans are the lifeblood of the game,” he said. “It’s good to see that government is taking practical steps to make sure supporters can easily travel to cheer the Black Stars. A well-managed visa process will go a long way to boost morale and national pride.”
Meanwhile, travel operators have begun expressing interest in partnering with relevant ministries to offer affordable packages for fans. They believe that with proper coordination, Ghana can record one of its largest supporter delegations ever seen at a World Cup.
The Ghana Football Association has reiterated its readiness to collaborate fully with government agencies to ensure a successful representation. According to the GFA, plans are underway to identify and register supporters’ groups that will benefit from the visa facilitation scheme.
As excitement continues to build, the government’s assurance signals a sense of preparedness and inclusivity. It underscores Ghana’s growing reputation for effective international engagement and its commitment to supporting citizens at every level.
With less than two years to the global tournament, stakeholders are optimistic that Ghana’s participation—both on and off the pitch—will reflect the country’s rich football heritage, unity, and unyielding passion for the sport.
In the words of Felix Kwakye Ofosu:
“Football has always been a unifying force in Ghana. As we prepare for the 2026 World Cup, our goal is to ensure that every Ghanaian who dreams of being there has a fair chance to make that dream a reality.”
