Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, has taken significant steps to ensure that Ghanaian football fans can support the Black Stars at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with greater ease.
In a series of high-level meetings held in Accra, Mr. Ablakwa met separately with officials from the US Embassy and the Canadian High Commission to initiate discussions on visa facilitation for supporters traveling to the tournament.
The engagements brought together representatives from Ghana’s key sports and foreign affairs institutions, including the Technical Advisor to the Minister for Youth and Sports, Miss Betty Krosbi Mensah; Ghana Football Association (GFA) President and CAF Vice President, Kurt Okraku; and senior directors from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Sports. The US delegation was led by Acting Ambassador Rolf Olson, while Acting High Commissioner Dennis Roussel headed the Canadian team.
According to Mr. Ablakwa, the purpose of these meetings was to foster mutual understanding of expectations and requirements, improve coordination, and develop roadmaps for streamlined visa processes. “These engagements are about building practical frameworks that make it easier for Ghanaian fans to travel, celebrate, and support the Black Stars during the World Cup,” he noted.
The discussions explored the possibility of special visa arrangements for football supporters and delegations—separate from the standard application process. The Minister also welcomed the recent reversal of US visa restrictions, which now allows for multiple-entry visas, enabling flexible travel between the tournament’s host nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The meetings ended on a cordial note, with GFA President Kurt Okraku presenting Black Stars replica jerseys to US and Canadian officials as gestures of appreciation. Mr. Ablakwa revealed that similar discussions were scheduled with the Mexican Embassy, completing Ghana’s diplomatic outreach to all three host countries.
This initiative underscores Ghana’s proactive diplomacy and commitment to ensuring a smooth and memorable experience for its fans and officials as preparations for the global football showpiece intensify.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
