The government on Wednesday, November 26 inaugurated an 11-member Ministerial Oversight Committee for Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Committee is expected to oversee the preparations towards the global tournament as well as ensuring the highest level of integrity during the country’s participation.
The Committee was officially inaugurated by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah.
He charged members to work tirelessly in the execution of their critical duties, emphasizing accountability and diligence.
The committee has been specifically tasked with:
- Providing strategic guidance for the entire national contingent.
- Ensuring strict compliance with all international standards and regulations.
- Supervising all national preparations ahead of the tournament
This is seen as an effort to avoid the ignominy that characterised the country’s participation in the 2014 edition in Brazil.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) led by President John Dramani Mahama was in power then.
The Black Stars were subjected to global ignominy as $3 million was said to have been airlifted from Accra to Rio de Janeiro to settle bonuses owed the players.
Two were suspended and driven out of camp before the team’s campaign ended with a 1-2 loss to Portugal courtesy a John Boye own goal and a Cristiano Ronaldo winner.
The members of the Ministerial Oversight Committee are:
- 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 Ministry
- Kurt Okraku (Chairman) – Ghana Football Association (GFA)
- Elizabeth Yankah – Deputy National Security Coordinator
- Abedi Pele – Former Footballer
- Mrs. Wilhelmina Asamoah (Chief Director) – Sports Ministry
- [Unspecified Member]
