L-R: Dennis Roussel, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Kurt Okraku
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that he met with officials from the US and Canadian embassies in Ghana to discuss key issues related to the Black Stars’ participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He noted that the meeting aimed to develop a clear roadmap regarding visa arrangements for Black Stars players, the technical team, and fans who will be traveling to support the team during the tournament.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku and Technical Advisor to the Minister of Sports, Betty Krosbi Mensah, were present to provide briefings on the team’s preparations.
The minister indicated that the discussions were fruitful and that efforts will continue to ensure all necessary arrangements are made to prevent any travel-related issues for Ghanaian officials attending the 2026 World Cup.
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Read Ablakwa’s full remarks below:
“Yesterday, I convened meetings with officials of the US Embassy and the Canadian High Commission to begin discussions on visa arrangements for Ghanaian football fans following the Black Stars’ qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Ghanaian delegation included the Technical Advisor to the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Betty Krosbi Mensah; GFA President and CAF Vice President, Kurt Okraku; and senior directors from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the ministry of sports.
The US team was led by Acting Ambassador Rolf Olson, while Acting Canadian High Commissioner Dennis Roussel headed the Canadian delegation.
The objectives of these engagements include ensuring mutual understanding of expectations and requirements, enhancing coordination, improving visa facilitation, and developing clear working roadmaps to maximise satisfaction.
The meeting also addressed the need for special arrangements for football fans, officials, and the team outside the regular visa application process.
It was acknowledged that the recent reversal of US visa restrictions which had previously imposed single-entry visas was timely, as it now allows for multiple-entry visas. This will enable Ghanaian fans to re-enter the U.S. after attending games in the other host nations, Canada and Mexico.
Our embassy colleagues and I are grateful to GFA President Kurt Okraku for the Black Stars replica jerseys.
We are scheduled to hold a similar engagement with officials from the Mexican Embassy on Friday.
For God and Country.
Yesterday I convened meetings with officials of the US Embassy and Canadian High Commission to commence discussions on visa arrangements for Ghanaian football fans following the qualification of the Black Stars to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Ghanaian side comprised the… pic.twitter.com/JFhA1BJ9lI
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) October 22, 2025
SB/JE
Meanwhile, watch the latest Sports Check interview with Alex Kotey, the GFA Referees Manager below:
