Government has inaugurated a ministerial oversight committee to coordinate Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the presidency directly supervising preparations to ensure the country maximizes economic and branding opportunities from the tournament.
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, speaking at the inauguration on Wednesday, said the committee’s mandate goes beyond supporting the Black Stars to win matches, encompassing corporate sponsorships, fan travel coordination, and promoting Ghana’s investment potential.
“It’s not just the playing of the football, but the entire globe is going to focus on what is happening from June next year,” Debrah said, explaining why the presidency is leading the effort.
The Chief of Staff tasked the committee with convincing corporate organizations to sponsor Ghana’s World Cup campaign, describing it as a “blank check” for brands seeking global exposure.
“Imagine in your mind’s eye the fact that the Ghanaian jersey, the black star, how many times the name of the country will be mentioned throughout the tournament,” Debrah told committee members.
The 11-member committee is chaired by GFA President Kurt Okraku and includes football legend Abedi Pele, Sports Minister Kofi Adams, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Youth Development Minister George Opare Addo.
Other members are Stan Xoese Dogbe from the Office of the President, Deputy Tourism and Culture Minister Yusif Jajah, Deputy Finance Minister Ampem Nyarkoh, Deputy National Security Coordinator Elizabeth Yankah, and Sports Ministry Chief Director Mrs. Wilhelmina Asamoah. An 11th member will be added soon.
He said companies associating with Ghana’s representation would get their brands known worldwide through television coverage reaching millions of viewers.
The committee has also been assigned responsibility for coordinating travel arrangements and preventing visa issues that could damage Ghana’s reputation.
“We think your committee needs to have that oversight responsibility in making sure that Ghana’s name is not brought into disrepute, even though we want as many fans as possible to be able to travel,” the Chief of Staff stated.
Mr Debrah revealed that the American Embassy has pledged to facilitate visas for Ghanaians wanting to attend matches in the United States to support the Black Stars.
“Just last Saturday, I was privileged to attend a program with the American Embassy at the Ghana American Chamber of Commerce, and then he said they are going to ensure that as many Ghanaians as possible are able to attend to lend support to our national team,” he said.
Beyond football, the committee must develop strategies to promote Ghana’s tourism potential and investment opportunities during the tournament.
“It’s also an opportunity for us to sell some of our investment potentials to the world,” Debrah explained, urging the committee to package Ghana as an attractive destination for investors.
The Chief of Staff praised the inclusion of a football legend he referred to as “the maestro” on the committee, saying his international playing experience would help Ghana present itself properly on the world stage.
He also commended GFA President Kurt Okraku and his team as progressive leaders committed to making Ghana proud.
Mr Debrah warned the committee against repeating past approaches, saying Ghana qualified for the 2010 and 2014 World Cups focused only on winning the trophy without maximizing other opportunities.
“We cannot afford to enter 2026 with a mindset of 2014 and 2010. Let us correct what must be corrected and amplify what can be built,” he stated.
The Chief of Staff emphasized that World Cup success extends beyond the 90 minutes of play, describing preparations as part of a long-term vision.
“The World Cup is not just about what happens over 90 minutes. It is about what we do with the four years leading up to it and four years that follow. The road to 2030 begins now,” he said.