The Minister of Youth and Sports of Ghana, Hon. Ussif Mustapha has announced that government won't be financing Ghanaian supporters to support the Black Stars at the 2022 FIFA World Cup to be held in Qatar.
According the minister, government won't be able to aid the supporters this time around due to the economic hardship the nation is facing currently.
However, he revealed that the Ministry would be relying on corporate sponsors to finance some Ghanaian fans to support the Black Stars during their World Cup Campaign.
"In view of the current situation our country finds itself in, government has decided it won't be financing supporters to the World Cup. As we have already announced, interested Ghanaians desiring to travel to Qatar for the World Cup can do it through Kenpong Travel and Tour, the official travel agency appointed by the Ministry,"
"The Ministry of Youth and Sports will, however, continue to appeal to corporate Ghana and the private sector, to support and finance some Ghanaian fans to provide symbolic support for the Black Stars", he added.
Hon Ussif Mustapha in a ceremony which saw GoldFields donate $300,000 to support the Black Stars World Cup Campaign, called on all Ghanaians to rally behind the Black Stars as they partake in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
"Irrespective of the challenges, wherever we are, and everywhere we go, let us rally behind the Black Stars in this World Cup Campaign, Qatar 2022 and give them our unflinching support to make another worthwhile history in their World Cup journey".
Speaking at the event, the Executive Vice President and Head of Gold Fields West Africa, Joshua Mortoti said that they've been with the national team for the past years and they believe their sponsorship led Ghana to it's first World Cup appearance in 2006.
"We have sponsored the senior national football team over an eight-year period with a total of US$15 million. That is from 2005 to 2012. We believe this sponsorship led the Black Stars to their first World Cup appearance in 2006."
"We believe that sports is a tool for unity, development and growth. This is why we have constructed a 10,400-seat stadium at Tarkwa. This world-class stadium is almost completed and is being funded by the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation to the tune of US$16.2 million. We look forward to having the Black Stars play there when it is officially opened.
"We wish the Black Stars well at the world cup and believe they will make our nation proud", he added.
The President of the Ghana football association, Kurt E.S Okraku was also present at the event and took time to express their profound gratitude to Goldfields Ghana for their support since Black Stars first World Cup appearance in 2006.
"I'm super happy that we have the chance to bring back the love with Goldfields Ghana.We believe that the contribution will be a wealthy one and will aid not only the preparations but active participations in the world cup."
"We believe we've prepared enough as a nation and our stars will walk out of the dressing room with their chests up to defend the good name of Ghana", he added.
The Black Stars have already secured a whooping $2million sponsorship deal from MTN and a cash of GHC50,000 from GLICO Group last week.
Government of Ghana won’t finance anyone to #QatarWorldCup2022 - Minister of Youth and Sports, @ussif_mustapha #WorldCup2022 #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/51cfASylwC
— Ayishatu Zakaria Ali (@ayishatu_) November 10, 2022
