Let’s engage govts of 2026 World Cup host nations — Mahama Ayariga

The Majority Leader in Parliament, Mr Mahama Ayariga, has called for engagements with governments of the countries hosting the FIFA 2026 World Cup tournament on the movement of Ghanaian supporters during the football Mundial.

That, he emphasised, would address the logistical challenges regarding the movement of Ghanaian supporters who will travel to go and support the Black Stars at the tournament.

The three countries hosting the tournament next year are the United States of America (USA), Canada, and Mexico.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, Mr Ayariga explained that having such a form of engagement with the governments of the three countries was important as they were far apart.

“Given that there are three different countries where the matches will be played and those countries are far apart from one another, how to carry supporters is going to be a major challenge. These logistical issues must be discussed, and we must also have a very strong engagement with the government of Mexico, Canada and USA, so that our citizens will be able to access those countries to support our players,” Mr Ayariga stated.

The Majority Leader further expressed trust in the Black Stars’ ability to deliver on the world stage.

However, he noted that could only be achieved when the players and the technical team were provided the needed support and motivation.

Mr Ayariga, therefore, urged all stakeholders, including the government through the Sports Ministry, the Ghana Football Association (GFA), and the public to support the team when the tournament starts next year.

He also commended the players for the determination and commitment exhibited during the qualifying matches, as well as the technical team and the GFA, for guiding the team to achieve the feat.

The Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Youth, Sports and Culture, Mr Ernest Henry Norgbey, described the team’s qualification journey as intensive and therefore needed to be commended.

He urged the team to play with the same dedication, determination, and resilience when the tournament begins next year and not lose focus.

Mr Norgbey pledged the support of the Parliament Select Committee on Youth and Sports to the Black Stars team.

On his part, the Minister of Government Communications and Member of Parliament (MP) for Abura-Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said the Head Coach of the Black Stars, Otto Addo, must be maintained.

He said that Otto Addo needed to be given time to prepare the team ahead of the tournament.

Mr Ofosu cautioned the country to be careful about how it addresses the issue of Ghanaian players born outside the shores of the country who had expressed the desire to play for the Black Stars, following the team’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup.

The First Deputy Minority Whip, Mr Habib Idrisu, urged the government to draw lessons from what transpired during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where the Black Stars exited the tournament after the group stages.