Former Sports Minister Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye has called on the government to ensure a fair and transparent system for selecting Ghanaian supporters to travel for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana’s Black Stars will make their fifth appearance at the global tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With plans underway for the government to sponsor fans to support the team, Vanderpuye cautioned against repeatedly selecting the same group of supporters, describing such a practice as discriminatory.
Speaking to Citi Sports, the former Member of Parliament stressed that limiting opportunities to previously chosen fans would deny many Ghanaians a rare and unforgettable experience.
“I wouldn’t want to go by that because when you do that, then you are setting discrimination into it. People should be given the opportunity to go, and if it is going to be a lottery or any other method, it should be fair and transparent for everyone,” he said.
Vanderpuye questioned why the same supporters are often chosen for major international tournaments, noting that millions of Ghanaians have never had the chance to witness a World Cup in person.
“If somebody has been to the World Cup before, why should we send the same person again? There are thousands, millions of other Ghanaians who have never had the opportunity… so let’s create a system where it’s not always the same group going,” he added.
He further highlighted that while some individuals may have the means and flexibility to travel repeatedly, many others would equally value the chance if given access.
“If you don’t give opportunities to other people, how will they get the experience we are talking about? Just give the opportunities to others,” Vanderpuye urged.
The Black Stars have been drawn in Group L and will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, before facing England in Boston. Ghana will conclude its group-stage fixtures against Croatia on June 27 in Philadelphia.
