A high-powered government delegation on Thursday visited the Black Stars’ camp in Rhode Island to boost the team’s morale ahead of their crucial final Group L match against Croatia at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The delegation was led by Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Victor Smith, and included Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams, Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and businessman and philanthropist Ibrahim Mahama.
The officials met with the players and technical team as preparations intensified for Saturday’s decisive encounter, with Ghana needing a victory to secure a place in the Round of 32 for the first time since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Addressing the squad, Sports Minister Kofi Adams praised the team’s performances in their opening two matches and urged the players to continue carrying the hopes of millions of Ghanaians onto the pitch.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa also commended the Black Stars for restoring national pride through their impressive performances, particularly the disciplined goalless draw against England.
According to him, the team’s displays had rekindled the confidence and admiration of Ghanaians both at home and abroad.
Ablakwa further delivered a message from President John Dramani Mahama, describing the President as the team’s “number one fan” and assuring the players of the government’s unwavering support.
He also revealed that President Mahama has prepared a special reward package for the squad upon their return from the tournament and expressed confidence that the Black Stars would overcome Croatia and make a deep run in the competition.
The visit highlighted the government’s continued backing of the national team as Ghana seeks to extend its stay at the World Cup.
Also present during the meeting were Ghana Football Association President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, Vice President Mark Addo, Executive Council member and Black Stars Management Committee Chairman Dr Randy Abbey, former captain Stephen Appiah, who serves as Vice Chairman of the Management Committee, as well as committee members Moses Armah and Samuel Aboabire.
The Black Stars began their World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama before earning a creditable 0-0 draw against England in their second Group L fixture.
After two matches, Ghana are level on four points with England at the top of Group L and remain firmly in contention for a place in the knockout stages ahead of the final round of group games.
