Ghana’s corporate community has begun rallying strongly behind the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with KGL Group stepping forward with a significant GH¢5 million contribution to the national team’s World Cup Fund — the first tranche of its pledged GH¢10 million support.

The contribution, presented yesterday, forms part of a growing wave of financial backing aimed at strengthening Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

KGL’s gesture set the tone for the day, as several other organisations honoured their commitments.

Serene Insurance delivered a GH¢2 million cash donation alongside a substantial GH¢20 million insurance cover for players, while Juwel Energy and Icon Energy each contributed GH¢1 million. Erata Motors added GH¢200,000, Pay Angel pledged GH¢100,000, and businessman Alex Okyere of KAF Company Limited made a personal donation of GH¢240,000.

Receiving the cheques at a brief ceremony at the Ministry of Finance, Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem expressed appreciation for the growing support and urged others to follow suit as momentum builds behind the campaign.

Redemption of pledges

He disclosed that Thursdays have been designated as official days for redeeming pledges, with weekly updates expected as Ghana edges closer to its opening World Cup fixture against Panama in Toronto on June 17.

“The Black Stars are grateful to all of you for the show of love,” Mr Ampem said. “Even though the first two friendly matches didn’t go well, we remain optimistic that the team will go to the World Cup and make all of us proud.”

He emphasised that all contributions were being lodged directly with the Bank of Ghana to ensure transparency and proper allocation towards the team’s preparation.

“All the funds are going directly into the account of the Bank of Ghana, to be channelled to support the Black Stars. Those yet to redeem your pledges have the opportunity to do so before we meet the media next Thursday to announce new contributors,” he added.

The fundraising initiative, launched last month by President John Dramani Mahama, is targeting $30 million from corporate Ghana and the general public. The campaign includes innovative measures such as a national raffle to drive broader participation and engagement.

Early signs suggest strong buy-in, with more than $11 million raised at the official launch held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra on March 20.

With Ghana drawn in a formidable Group L alongside Panama, England and Croatia, the scale of preparation required has sharpened focus on the importance of sustained financial backing.

Explaining KGL’s continued commitment to the national cause, Executive Director Kenneth Mpare described the donation as part of a long-standing relationship with Ghana football.

“We are here to present our widow’s mite to the team,” he said. “KGL has been an avid supporter of the Black Stars, and in the past, we’ve already contributed significantly to the GFA for the same cause. When we heard the clarion call, we said let’s continue to support the Black Stars.”