President John Dramani Mahama has emphasized the strategic role of sports in national branding and economic development during his 2026 State of the Nation Address in Accra on Friday, February 27.

He mentioned that Ghana is preparing for its fifth FIFA World Cup appearance, describing the tournament as an opportunity not just for sporting glory but also for boosting the country’s international profile and economic prospects.

 President Mahama highlighted the importance of managing visa processes for supporters traveling to the United States, ensuring that Ghana maintains compliance to prevent returning to the non-immigrant visa ban list.

"Mr Speaker, supporters and other people interested in going to support their team would have to submit a visa request to the American Embassy. We are being told that we must ensure that supporters who go return on their visits." 

"It has taking a lot of work to restore Ghana's five-year non-immigrant visa and take us off the ban list. It is my hope that this event will not send thousands of Ghanaians to America and get us back on the ban list," he said.

Focus on Women and Youth Sports

The President also celebrated the achievements and upcoming participation of Ghana’s female and youth teams.

He noted that the Black Queens will compete at the 2026 Women’s African Cup of Nations, building on their bronze medal finish in Morocco, while the youth team will participate in the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar with a multidisciplinary squad aimed at strengthening long-term elite pathways.

He said Ghana is also set to participate in the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, further reinforcing its presence in the international sporting arena and showcasing the nation’s commitment to sports as a tool for national pride, youth development, and global engagement.