Stanbic Bank has presented a cheque for Gh¢3 million to support Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the national fundraising campaign launched earlier this year.
The cheque was received on behalf of the government by the Deputy Minister for Finance and Chairman of the Black Stars World Cup Fundraising Committee, Hon. Thomas Nyarko Ampem.
The donation forms part of efforts initiated by President John Dramani Mahama in March to raise $30 million from corporate institutions and individuals to support the Black Stars ahead of the tournament in North America.
Ghana will be making its fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup and has been drawn in Group L of the expanded 48-team competition. The Black Stars are scheduled to face Panama in Toronto on June 17, England in Boston on June 23, and Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
Presenting the cheque, Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Bank, Kwamina Asomaning, explained that the bank’s support package has been structured in two parts.
According to him, the first component is aimed at supporting the team’s immediate participation needs, while the second serves as a performance-based incentive to motivate the Black Stars to progress deep into the tournament.
He added that should the team fail to reach the latter stages of the competition, the incentive package earmarked up to the final would instead be donated to a charity chosen by the Black Stars.
“It’s a great pride for us to come together to support the Black Stars. As a bank, we have been inextricably linked to sports in Ghana,” Mr Asomaning said.
He noted that Stanbic Bank has previously supported several sporting disciplines in Ghana, including table tennis, arm wrestling, badminton, tennis, hockey, basketball, swimming and football.
Other contributions announced on the day included $500,000 from Newmont Ghana and Gh¢250,000 from OmniBSIC Bank.
Receiving the donations, Hon. Thomas Nyarko Ampem commended the institutions for their patriotic support towards the national team.
“We are grateful for the response and, as we have already indicated, we will meet here every Thursday to receive donations,” he stated.
