The Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for West Africa at the US Department of State's Bureau of African Affairs, Will Stevens, has affirmed the commitment of the government of the United States of America to ensure Ghanaian football players, officials and fans attending next year's FIFA World Cup get the best experience of the American Dream.
Mr Stevens, who was in Ghana for a two-day visit, last Friday met with officials of the National Sports Authority (NSA), as well leadership of the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana (PFAG) comprised of former national team stars who led the delegation on a tour of dressing rooms and other facilities at the Accra Sports Stadium, the home of the World Cup bound Black Stars, just six months shy of the USA/Canada/Mexico 2026 fiesta.
Mr Stevens, accompanied by the Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Ghana, Rolf Olson, met and interacted with former players present, including PFAG President Sammy Kuffour, General Secretary Tony Baffoe, as well as board members Kwame Ayew, Augustine Arhinful and Emmanuel Agyemang Badu. Also on the spot were Derek Boateng and Abdul Majeed Waris, all former national team stars.
Following a tour of the dressing rooms and before a comprehensive tour of the PFAG offices, Mr Stevens engaged the former players in a thrilling penalty shootout battle on the stadium's lush turf, where he took a kick with Agyemang Badu in the post.
The US diplomat, who confessed to having been a goalkeeper in his youthful soccer escapades, then took his spot between the posts for a kick from Badu, who famously netted the winning penalty for Ghana to win the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt.
"This is incredible, what a fun, friendly environment and to be with these legends of football and legends of Ghana, it's an honour. Our countries have a lot in common, proud histories and I'm proud to be here and part of it.
Thanks for sharing the field with me for a few minutes, thanks for letting me score, " Ambassador Stevens said as all around erupted in laughter.
The Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Ghana, Rolf Olson, for his part, expressed regret over the inability of Ghana to draw the US but charged the Black Stars to take down England in honour of the 250th anniversary of the US gaining independence from the English.
NSA Director-General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, thanked the US delegation for their visit and welcomed more of such engagements to foster friendship and strengthen diplomatic relations as the countdown continues to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
info@businessghana.com
