By Enock Akonnor (Managing Editor) enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
Ghana has begun formal engagements with the United States and Canadian diplomatic missions in Accra to facilitate visa arrangements for Ghanaian football fans ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following the Black Stars’ qualification for the tournament.
This was disclosed by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in a statement shared on his official Facebook page.
According to the Minister, he convened high-level meetings yesterday with officials from the US Embassy and Canadian High Commission to initiate discussions focused on ensuring a smooth and coordinated visa process for fans, officials, and the national team traveling to the three host nations; the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Ghanaian delegation included Hon. Betty Krosbi Mensah, Technical Advisor to the Minister for Youth and Sports; Kurt Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF); as well as senior officials from both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The US delegation was led by Acting Ambassador Rolf Olson, while Acting Canadian High Commissioner Dennis Roussel headed the Canadian team.
Among the key issues discussed were expectations and requirements from all sides, streamlined coordination, and the establishment of a clear roadmap to enhance visa facilitation.
The parties also explored the possibility of creating special visa arrangements outside the standard application process for Ghanaian football fans, officials, and players.
In a welcome development, the meeting acknowledged the recent reversal of US visa restrictions that had limited Ghanaian applicants to single-entry visas. This policy change now opens the door for multiple-entry visas, allowing fans to freely move between World Cup matches in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
“We are grateful to GFA President Kurt Okraku for the Black Stars replica jerseys,” Minister Ablakwa added in his statement, expressing appreciation for the symbolic gesture during the diplomatic engagement.
The Minister further revealed that a similar meeting is scheduled with officials from the Mexican Embassy on Friday, as Ghana looks to finalize a trilateral visa framework well in advance of the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first time the event will be held across three nations. With Ghana’s qualification secured, preparations are now underway to ensure fans can fully participate in the global sporting spectacle.
Source; www.leakyghana.com
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
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