Ghana’s Black Challenge have received a US$500,000 funding commitment from Gold Fields Ghana Limited ahead of the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) formally activated the allocation on Tuesday under its two-year, US$5 million sponsorship agreement with Gold Fields Ghana. The announcement was made at Mendiata Hotel in Accra, where GFA President Kurt Simeon-Okraku, National Paralympic Committee (NPC) President Samson Deen, Gold Fields Ghana Vice President and Managing Director Elliot Twum, and members of the national amputee team were present.
The financial support is intended to strengthen Ghana’s preparations for the tournament and provide further backing for the squad’s World Cup campaign.
Mr Deen welcomed the agreement, saying corporate and institutional support of this kind had been needed by amputee football for many years.
“This is what we’ve been looking for over many years. I want to say that we are grateful for what the GFA and Gold Fields have done. Thank you very much. We really appreciate it,” he said.
Simeon-Okraku reaffirmed the GFA’s commitment to the Black Challenge and said the association was working with Gold Fields and the NPC leadership to ensure the team received the support required before travelling to Mexico.
“Be rest assured that Ghana is with you. It is now your time to go and make us proud,” he told the players.
Twum said Gold Fields Ghana’s confidence in the squad was based on its achievements and encouraged the team to represent the country strongly on the international stage.
“This is your opportunity to hold high the flag of Ghana because you’ve achieved a lot. We want to continue to support football and to continue to be associated with the Black Challenge,” he said.
He added that the company expected the team to give Ghanaians further reasons to celebrate.
The Black Challenge have been engaged in an extended training camp in Accra as they prepare for the tournament, with additional support coming from individuals and public officials.
Musician Stonebwoy donated GH¢100,000, while former Black Stars captain Andre Ayew visited the players and also made a contribution.
The Agric Minister, Eric Opoku, and his deputy, John Setor Dumelo, provided financial assistance and promised a poultry business package. Spain’s Ambassador to Ghana, Angel Lossada Torres-Quevedo, also visited the camp to motivate the squad.
Ghana will compete in the November 13–22 tournament in San Juan de los Lagos as two-time African champions. They won the continental title in 2021 and retained it in 2024 after claiming gold at the 2023 African Para Games in Accra.
The Black Challenge have been placed in Group D alongside Angola, Colombia and Iraq. Angola, world champions in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, will be among their toughest opponents as Ghana seek to progress to the knockout stages.
The activated US$500,000 allocation adds to the support behind the squad as it attempts to turn its continental success into a strong World Cup campaign in Mexico.
