The President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, has praised telecommunications giant MTN Ghana for its $2 million sponsorship package that supported the country’s national football teams, particularly the Black Stars, during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Okraku said the contribution came at a critical time and significantly improved team morale, reinforcing the players’ confidence as they pursued qualification for what would be Ghana’s fifth appearance at the global football tournament.
Speaking at a post-qualification briefing in Accra, Okraku described MTN’s intervention as “a major morale booster” for the Black Stars and other national teams under the GFA’s umbrella.
“The motivation that comes with MTN’s support cannot be underestimated. It has inspired our players and shown them that corporate Ghana believes in their potential,” Okraku noted.
He added that football success in modern times demands substantial investment beyond what government and international bodies such as FIFA can provide. Private sector involvement, he said, has become indispensable to maintaining competitive standards on and off the field.
The $2 million deal, announced earlier in 2025, extends beyond the senior national team to include the Black Queens (women’s team), Black Satellites (U-20), and Black Starlets (U-17). According to Okraku, this inclusive sponsorship structure reflects MTN’s long-term commitment to nurturing Ghana’s football talent pipeline from youth to professional level.
“MTN’s investment supports not only the Black Stars but also our junior and female teams. This holistic approach ensures that Ghana football continues to grow sustainably,” he said.
A “Game-Changing” Partnership (MTN)
Okraku described the partnership as transformative, noting that it sets a benchmark for corporate involvement in sports development. He also acknowledged other key sponsors, including KGL Foundation, Lele Rice, 5 Star Energy Drink, and Goil, for their consistent backing.
However, he singled out MTN’s contribution as a “game-changer” in terms of scale and impact, emphasizing that the partnership has revitalized national enthusiasm for football while easing financial pressures on the GFA’s operations.
Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — marks another milestone in the country’s football history. The Black Stars have previously featured in four World Cups: Germany (2006), South Africa (2010), Brazil (2014), and Qatar (2022).
The team’s most memorable performance came in 2010 when they reached the quarterfinals, narrowly missing out on a historic semifinal berth after a dramatic penalty miss against Uruguay.
With improved preparations and robust financial backing, Okraku expressed optimism that the 2026 campaign will showcase an even stronger Ghanaian side capable of challenging the world’s best teams.
MTN Commends Team’s Resilience
In a statement following Ghana’s qualification, MTN Ghana congratulated the Black Stars, describing their performance as a reflection of the nation’s enduring resilience and unity.
The company said the players’ determination throughout the qualifiers mirrored MTN’s own “can-do spirit,” underscoring the power of teamwork and shared purpose.
“The Black Stars have proven once again that with focus and collaboration, success is achievable. We are proud to stand with them on this journey,” the statement read.
Corporate sponsorship remains crucial for the sustainability of Ghanaian sports, especially in a period where funding challenges often threaten team logistics, player welfare, and training programmes.
Analysts say MTN’s multimillion-dollar support represents a strong model for how public-private partnerships can elevate sports performance in Africa, particularly as countries seek to professionalize their leagues and enhance competitiveness on the global stage.
Other African nations, including Nigeria and South Africa, have also benefited from increased corporate investment, with telecoms and financial firms playing a vital role in athlete development and sports marketing.
As Ghana prepares for the 2026 World Cup, partnerships like the one between MTN and the GFA highlight the importance of aligning business interests with national pride. Sustained corporate commitment could be the difference between temporary success and long-term dominance for Ghanaian football on the world stage.
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