President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, and senior officials of Gold Fields Ghana Limited on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, paid a working visit to Ghana’s national amputee team, the Black Challenge, to rally support ahead of the 2026 WAFF Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.
The visit was aimed at boosting the morale of the players and technical team as they prepare to represent Ghana on the global stage.
President Simeon-Okraku expressed profound gratitude to Gold Fields for its commitment to the team, following the company’s pledge of US$500,000 over two years to support their participation in the upcoming World Cup and post-tournament training programmes.
Addressing the players and technical staff, the GFA President highlighted Gold Fields’ longstanding relationship with Ghanaian football, dating back to 2005.
“When Gold Fields decided to partner Ghana football and be part of football, no company had that vision. I am particularly grateful to the leadership of the company for their sustained support,” he said.
He described the sponsorship as a significant investment in the dreams and aspirations of the players, whose commitment continues to inspire the country.
“The Black Challenge is here today because Gold Fields has decided to invest half a million dollars to support the team. This is because of the decision to help our brothers who have a dream to represent Ghana at the highest level,” President Simeon-Okraku added.
Praising the team for their dedication and sacrifice, he expressed confidence in their ability to excel.
“You are back-to-back African champions. You’ve been to Argentina, Mexico, and now back to Mexico again. Due to funds, you couldn’t compete at the Mexico tournament, where you arrived when you had missed two games. But today, the story is different, courtesy of Gold Fields,” he noted.
On his part, Gold Fields Executive Vice-President, Elliot Twum, congratulated the Black Challenge on qualifying for the global championship and acknowledged President Simeon-Okraku’s instrumental role in securing the sponsorship.
“Ghana is a wonderful football nation… I want to challenge you to go out there and make our nation proud. Let me state for the record that the FA President has been hugely influential in getting the sponsorship drive from Gold Fields,” Twum said.
“Gold Fields, the GFA, as well as government are backing you, so put up your best. We have confidence in you, that’s why we’re supporting you.”
The Black Challenge have been drawn in Group D of the 2026 WAFF Amputee Football World Cup, where they will face Angola, Colombia, and Iraq. The tournament is scheduled for November 13 to 22, 2026, in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico, and will feature 24 national teams.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
