Speaking on the floor of Ghana’s Parliament on Thursday, February 19, the Sports Minister reiterated this call as the country prepares to compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana has been drawn in Group L with Panama, England and Croatia in the competition that commences in June; this is the fifth World Cup participation for the Black Stars.

Ahead of the start of the competition, the Sports Minister said funding for the Black Stars will be a key component by stating, (Scroll down to watch video)

“Ghana has qualified for the World Cup; funding will be a key component for our participation and it is in that spirit, Speaker, I make this statement.”

Black Stars celebrate qualification to 2026 FIFA World Cup Photo Courtesy: GFA

“Legislation alone does not finance sports, commitment does. Globally, the sports industry exceeds UDS 500 Billion in value yet on our continent, sports contributes less than 0.5% to GDP in most countries not because we lack talent, not because we lack passion but because we have not yet built a financing system that match our ambition.”

Black Stars celebrate qualification to 2026 FIFA World Cup

“The Ghana Sports Fund provides us that system. It creates a transparent and accountable framework to support infrastructural development, school and grass root sports, elite athlete preparation welfare systems and recreation.”

 

A view of the World Cup replica during the inauguration of the countdown to the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, the United States, and Canada (Photo by Gerardo Vieyra/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

He commended the National Investment Bank for demonstrating leadership by being the first organization to contribute to the fund of 100,000 Ghana Cedis.