2026 World Cup: Gov’t Departs From Norm; Raises Funds From Private Sector, Ibrahim Mahama Donates $5M\

The government has departed from the era where public funds were used to airlift soccer fans to tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup.

Often times, it has resulted in controversies and accusations of misappropriation and wastage of funds by leadership.

As Ghana prepares to participate in this year’s World Cup to be staged in United States (US), Canada and Mexico, the government has set in motion an initiative to raise funds for this endevour.

The initiative was launched yesterday, Friday, March 20 at the Kempinskin Gold Coast Hotel with several dignitaries including the President, John Dramani Mahama gracing the occasion.

Also present was the Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams, Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Ampem Nyarko who is the chair of the Fundraising Subcommittee of the World Cup Ministerial Committee and Ghana Football Association (GFA) Kurt Okraku.

During the fundraising stage, Chief Executive Officer of Engineers and Planners (E&P) Ibrahim Mahama, donated the highest amount, parting away with a whopping $5 million while Ghana Goldfields follows $2 million (plus $1, 000, 000 next year for Black Stars activities) as well as Jewel Energy donating $1, 000, 000.

There were several other donations and pledges from companies and individuals including dancehall artistes Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy donating $100, 000 and $81, 000 plus $20, 000 campaign music production respectively.  

In total on the night, some $12, 096, 000 plus $20, 000 campaign music production, GHc13, 950, 000 plus GHc$20, 000 , 000 insurance package for Black Stars.

The fundraising is on-going and it is expected that before the tournament starts in June, more than what is needed would have been raised. Many on social media, have commended government for doing things differently this time and staying off the public purse.

Below is the full list of donors on the night….

GHANA WORLD CUP PARTICIPATION FUNDRAISING DONORS

1. Engineers & Planners – $5,000,000

2. ⁠Goldfields Ghana – $2,000,000 (plus $1,000,000 next year for Black Stars activities)

3. ⁠Jewel Energy – $1,000,000

4. ⁠Anonymous person $1,000,000

5. ⁠Shatta Wale – $100,000

6. ⁠Stonebwoy – $81,000 plus $20,000 campaign song music production.

7. ⁠Alhaji Musah’s Timeline and Innovation Company – $300,000

8. ⁠Christian Salamony Game Technology – $2,000,000

9. ⁠KGL – GHC10,000,000

10. ⁠Serene Insurance – GHC2,000,000 (plus GHC20,000 insurance package for Black Stars

11. P & A African Food International plus Degree Auto mechanic ⁠- $15,000

12. ⁠Abosokai Spare parts Dealer – GHC500,000

13. ⁠Icon Energy – GHC1,000,000

14. ⁠Pay Angel – GHC100,000

16. ⁠Erata Motors – GHC200,000

17. ⁠Nana Adjoo Baah – GHC150,000

TOTAL

$12,096,000 plus $20,000 campaign music production by Stonebwoy.

GHC13,950,000 plus GHC20,000,000 insurance package for Black Stars.

Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars have been paired in Group with three other contenders England, Croatia and Panama. It group matches are scheduled to take place in North America in June.

By Gifty Boateng