The Chief of Staff, Mr. Julius Debrah, has urged the newly‑inaugurated 11‑member Ministerial Oversight Committee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to take full responsibility for coordinating travel arrangements for Ghanaian supporters and safeguarding the nation’s international reputation. He made the call during the committee’s inauguration ceremony held at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
In his remarks, Mr. Debrah emphasized the recurring challenges associated with visa processing and the risk of individuals exploiting the system and absconding, which could tarnish Ghana’s image. “We task you to help coordinate the travel arrangements.
Usually, we run into trouble when it comes to visas, and as you know, some people want to take advantage of the system and abscond, giving the country a bad name,” he warned. He stressed that the committee’s mandate extends beyond football logistics to ensuring that Ghana’s presence at the tournament enhances rather than harms its global standing.
To achieve this, the Chief of Staff directed the committee to initiate immediate discussions with the United States Embassy to facilitate visa access for genuine fans wishing to travel to the United States, Canada and Mexico — the hosts of the 2026 World Cup.
He noted that early engagement with U.S. consular officials is crucial to accommodate the anticipated large number of Ghanaian supporters. “Make time and follow up with the appropriate officials at the American Embassy to ensure that Ghanaians are allowed to go and cheer their team,” Mr. Debrah added, highlighting recent indications from the U.S. Embassy of its willingness to support visa issuance for Ghanaian travellers.
Beyond fan travel, Mr. Debrah called on the committee to leverage the World Cup as a platform for showcasing Ghana’s investment potential and tourism attractions. He urged members to adopt a holistic view of the tournament, linking it to national development goals such as promoting trade, tourism and foreign investment. “This is also an opportunity for us to sell some of our investment potential to the world. Let people know that our country is also an investment opportunity. Promotion of our tourism is one, and I believe that if we sell ourselves, we can make Ghana proud,” he said.
The 11‑member Ministerial Oversight Committee comprises representatives from key government ministries, security agencies and football administration, blending political leadership with technical expertise. Notable members include Stan Xoese Dogbe (Office of the President), Hon. Kofi Adams (Sports and Recreation), Hon. Samuel O. Ablakwa (Foreign Affairs), Hon. George Opare (Youth Development), Hon. Yusif Jajah (Deputy Minister, Tourism and Culture), Ampem Nyarkoh (Deputy Minister, Finance), Kurt Okraku (Chairman, Ghana Football Association), Elizabeth Yankah (Deputy National Security Coordinator), former footballer Abedi Pele, and Mrs. Wilhelmina Asamoah (Chief Director, Sports Ministry), with one position yet to be decided .
Mr. Debrah reiterated the importance of integrity, diligence and accountability in the committee’s work, stressing that effective coordination of travel logistics and reputation management are pivotal to Ghana’s successful participation in the 2026 World Cup. The committee is expected to commence its duties immediately, aligning preparations with the tournament’s schedule in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The inauguration follows Ghana’s recent qualification for the 2026 World Cup, secured with a 1–0 victory over Comoros on October 12, 2025, marking the Black Stars’ fifth appearance in the competition since 2006.
In tandem, the government has allocated GH¢150 million to support the Black Stars’ preparations and participation, underscoring its commitment to sports development and national representation on the global stage .
With the World Cup presenting a unique chance to project Ghana’s image positively, stakeholders anticipate that the committee’s success in managing travel logistics and promoting tourism and investment will resonate beyond the tournament, reinforcing Ghana’s reputation as a responsible and attractive destination.
