Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has stated that the government will rely heavily on the Ghanaian community in North America to support the national football team, the Black Stars, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Speaking on Peace FM, Adams explained that the government is currently operating under financial constraints, emphasizing that resources must be prioritized for domestic sports development and infrastructure projects rather than funding fan travel.
According to him, while the enthusiasm of Ghanaian supporters is crucial for the Black Stars, the government must strike a balance between supporting the national team and ensuring that ongoing development programs are not neglected.
“We are in a period of austerity; we need money to build sports infrastructure in Ghana. Then we are going to spend money to transport supporters all the way to America? That money could build five multipurpose parks in some communities,” Adams said.
He added that Ghanaians living in Canada, Mexico, and the United States could take the initiative to rally behind the team using their own resources. The minister encouraged members of the Ghanaian diaspora to come together to form fan groups and mobilize local support for the national team throughout the tournament.
“I believe there are a lot of Ghanaians in those areas. Anybody who wants to go can find their own resources. We can facilitate your travel documents, then you go,” he said.
“Or we should mobilize from the corporate sector, possibly both private and public, and give support to the fans. The government can team up with the corporate sector to support that, which would be a good idea, but putting government money into the budget to take supporters? I don’t think so.”
Adams’ comments come at a time when several African nations are reevaluating their approach to financing fans’ travel to international tournaments, as governments face mounting economic pressures.
The minister emphasized that Ghana’s focus must remain on long-term investment in sports infrastructure, including the development of multipurpose sports parks and training centers across the country. These, he said, would serve as lasting legacies to nurture young talent and promote community engagement in sports.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that the Black Stars receive all necessary logistical, technical, and financial support to perform well at the tournament. However, he stressed that funding fans’ travel abroad was not sustainable given the country’s current financial realities.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will mark Ghana’s fifth appearance at football’s biggest stage. The Black Stars made their debut in 2006 in Germany, famously reaching the Round of 16, followed by another impressive run in 2010 in South Africa, where they reached the quarter-finals, narrowly missing out on a semi-final spot after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Uruguay.
Ghana’s participation in the 2026 edition is expected to reignite national pride and global excitement among Ghanaian communities abroad. The minister’s call to the diaspora aims to harness that enthusiasm while alleviating the financial burden on government resources.
Adams also highlighted the potential for private sector collaboration, noting that corporate sponsorships could play a vital role in facilitating fan mobilization and promotional activities ahead of the World Cup.
“The government can partner with the private sector to make it happen. That way, we can still ensure Ghanaians are represented in the stands without directly spending from the national budget,” he stated.
His remarks have generated mixed reactions among football fans and stakeholders. Some have applauded his pragmatic stance, arguing that Ghana’s economic priorities should focus on infrastructure and youth development. Others, however, believe that visible fan support at the World Cup plays a crucial role in motivating the national team and enhancing the country’s image on the global stage.
Meanwhile, sports analysts have described the minister’s statement as a wake-up call for self-reliance, encouraging Ghanaian associations abroad to organize structured support networks for the Black Stars. This, they argue, could also foster a stronger connection between the diaspora and national development efforts.
Ghana’s preparation for the 2026 tournament continues, with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) expected to finalize the team’s pre-tournament training camp and friendly matches in the coming months. Head coach and technical staff are said to be working closely with the Ministry of Sports to ensure optimal preparation for the competition.
The government, according to Adams, remains committed to ensuring the players’ welfare and the team’s competitive readiness. “We will make sure the players have everything they need to make the nation proud,” he assured.
As anticipation builds for the World Cup, the Black Stars will be counting on both home-based and diaspora supporters to create a wave of unity and motivation. With Ghana’s reputation as one of Africa’s football powerhouses, expectations remain high that the team will make a strong impression at the 2026 edition.
The minister’s message ultimately underscores a larger national conversation — that patriotism and support for the national team should go hand-in-hand with responsible financial management and sustainable development.
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