The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has inaugurated a high-level committee to oversee Ghana’s preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following the Black Stars’ successful qualification for the tournament.

The Ministry says the body will not only focus on football readiness but also harness the global event for cultural, economic and diplomatic gains.

According to the Terms of Reference, the Ministry explains that the committee has been established “to oversee the nation’s preparations to participate in the Mundial and leverage same for socio-cultural and economic dividends.”

The document adds that the Committee’s scope covers “all necessary financial, administrative, operational, logistical and regulatory arrangements required for the preparation, participation and desired performance of the Black Stars in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”

Beyond football, the Committee is also mandated to coordinate “cultural, trade, tourism, bilateral and multilateral activities and events that would inure to promoting the image and development of Ghana.”

Objectives

The primary goal of the Committee is to ensure comprehensive and well-coordinated national participation.

The Terms of Reference state that the objective is “to coordinate affairs and facilitate the preparation and participation of the senior men’s national team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and to improve upon their performance from previous editions.”

The Ministry also expects the tournament to be used as a springboard to:

• “Showcase and promote tourism and economic opportunities in Ghana.”
• “Strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations with key nations, institutions, organisations and personalities.”
• “Direct sports investment resources to Ghana.”

Responsibilities and Key Activities

The Committee is responsible for delivering all activities required to position Ghana for both sporting and non-sporting benefits. It will develop a “Roadmap to the World Cup document to guide our activities.” The areas of work include:

• Fundraising and sponsorship drives
• Team preparation
• Training camps and international friendlies
• Media and public sensitisation campaigns
• Trade and investment missions
• Tourism, cultural and promotional events

The Ministry notes that the committee “would work closely with all relevant state and non-state partners to raise awareness, garner public support, mobilise resources and facilitate the participation of the national team.”

Composition of the Committee

The Committee is chaired by the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams.

Membership includes senior representatives from key state agencies:

1. Mrs. Wilhelmina Asamoah – Chief Director, Ministry of Sports and Recreation
2. Mrs. Mabel Cudjoe, Director, RSIM, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts
3. Mr. Kwakye Kontoh, Director, PPMED, Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment
4. Mrs Juliana Boateng, Head of Budget, Ministry of Finance
5. Ms Joyce Akpalayaa Ajongbah, Director, Ministry of Trade
6. Mrs. Sarpomaa Dodoo – Director, Americas, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
7. Alhaji Abubakari Wayo (PhD) – Chief Director, Office of the President
8. Solomon Mensah Tetteh – Director, RSIM, Ministry of the Interior
   … with additional representatives from the Ghana Football Association and the private sector.

The Committee may also co-opt experts and set up subcommittees “to undertake specific responsibilities and achieve its mandate and objectives.”

Duration and Output

The Committee begins work immediately and will operate until three months after the World Cup. Any extension “shall not exceed 30 working days.”

Its expected deliverables include:

• A comprehensive World Cup Roadmap
• Minutes and activity reports
• A final report to Cabinet

Next Steps

The Ministry assures that the Committee will receive the required administrative and logistical support, emphasising that the 2026 World Cup presents an exceptional opportunity for Ghana not only to excel on the pitch but also to project its cultural identity and economic potential to the world.

The Black Stars’ return to the World Cup stage, combined with a structured national preparation framework, is expected to generate renewed enthusiasm and a unified national effort as the tournament approaches.