The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Mr. Kurt Okraku, has credited MTN Ghana’s financial and moral support as a crucial factor behind the Black Stars’ successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking after Ghana’s qualification, Mr. Okraku said MTN’s $2 million sponsorship package, announced just months before the start of the final qualification round, injected fresh energy and confidence into the national team.
“The motivation that comes with MTN’s support cannot be underestimated. It boosted the morale of our players and gave them the confidence to push harder during the qualifiers,” he noted.
According to the GFA President, football success today depends as much on financial stability as on technical ability. He said modern football is an expensive enterprise that cannot thrive on government and FIFA support alone, but requires strong corporate partnerships to flourish.
He praised MTN for demonstrating “true corporate leadership” by investing not only in the Black Stars but also in the Black Queens, Black Satellites, and Black Starlets, ensuring a comprehensive and sustainable approach to football development.
“Beyond the Black Stars, MTN’s sponsorship is helping the Black Queens, Satellites, and Starlets. This holistic investment is building the future of Ghana football,” Mr. Okraku emphasized.
He described MTN’s intervention as a “game-changer” that is reshaping the landscape of Ghanaian football, providing both financial stability and psychological drive to the national teams.
Mr. Okraku also expressed gratitude to Ghanaians for their unwavering support throughout the qualifiers, saying the fans’ enthusiasm was instrumental in propelling the team to success.
Ghana’s qualification marks its fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup, after previous campaigns in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022. With MTN’s partnership in place, Mr. Okraku said the GFA is determined to build on the momentum and ensure the Black Stars make a stronger impact on the world stage.
“With MTN’s continued support, we are confident that Ghana football is entering a new era of progress, unity, and global competitiveness,” he said.
