Julius Debrah urges 2026 world cup committee to ensure orderly travel plans for Ghana
Ghana’s Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has urged the newly formed 2026 World Cup Committee to prioritize comprehensive and orderly travel arrangements for the national football team ahead of the global tournament. The call comes amid growing expectations that Ghana’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup demands not just athletic readiness but also seamless logistics and welfare planning.
According to Debrah, the committee must ensure that all aspects of travel, from visa processing and flight bookings to accommodation and security, are handled with meticulous care. “We need to treat this as a national mission,” he said in a statement to the media, emphasizing the importance of treating the players and staff as national representatives whose well-being reflects on Ghana’s image abroad.
He pointed out that in the past, inadequate planning caused unnecessary delays and stress for teams travelling for international fixtures. To avoid such pitfalls this time, the committee should work with relevant ministries, foreign affairs, sports agencies, and travel partners to map a clear travel roadmap that adheres to international standards while protecting national resources.
The 2026 World Cup Committee, already inaugurated by the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, is composed of senior officials from key ministries including Sports, Finance, Interior, Tourism and Foreign Affairs, alongside representatives from Ghana Football administration. Its mandate spans not only athletic preparation but also the cultural diplomatic and economic potential the tournament offers.
Debrah underlined that the stakes are higher this time because Ghana aims to leverage the World Cup for national development, tourism promotion international visibility and potential investment. He urged that logistics planning should therefore factor in media engagement, fan travel facilitation and representation of Ghanaian culture and values on the world stage.
Former international players and sports administrators have welcomed Debrah’s appeal. They argue that proper logistical preparation is as important as training sessions, pointing out that comfort, nutrition, rest and smooth transit have a direct effect on player performance. Without such support, even the most talented teams can underperform.
Meanwhile, civil society and fan groups have called for transparent reporting from the committee, recommending regular public updates on travel budget allocations and logistics plans. They argue that public scrutiny will help guard against misuse of funds and ensure that resources are channeled primarily toward supporting the team.
As Ghana gears up for its 2026 World Cup journey, Debrah’s emphasis on order and preparation offers hope for a well-coordinated national effort. The success of that effort may influence not only the Black Stars’ performance on the pitch but also Ghana’s global standing beyond sport.
