Accra, Ghana — In a spirited show of proactive diplomacy and national pride, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, convened high-level meetings yesterday with the Acting U.S. Ambassador, Rolf Olson, and Acting Canadian High Commissioner, Dennis Roussel, to initiate critical discussions on visa facilitation for Ghanaian football fans ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The engagements mark a significant step in ensuring seamless travel arrangements for Ghanaian supporters, officials, and the Black Stars team as they prepare to journey across the tri-nation tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Representing Ghana in these strategic talks were Hon. Betty Krosbi Mensah, Technical Advisor to the Minister for Youth and Sports; Mr. Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association and Vice President of CAF; and senior directors from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Sports.
The discussions centered on:
- Establishing mutual clarity on visa expectations and requirements
- Enhancing intergovernmental coordination for fan and team logistics
- Exploring special visa protocols beyond standard application processes
- Developing a clear roadmap to ensure satisfaction and ease of movement for Ghanaian travelers
A key highlight was the acknowledgment of the recent reversal of U.S. visa restrictions, which previously limited Ghanaian travelers to single-entry visas. The new policy shift toward multiple-entry visas is seen as a timely and welcome development, enabling fans to travel freely between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico during the tournament.
In a gesture of camaraderie and national pride, GFA President Kurt Okraku presented Black Stars replica jerseys to both diplomatic teams , a symbolic reminder of Ghana’s unifying spirit and footballing legacy.
Hon. Ablakwa expressed deep appreciation to the U.S. and Canadian delegations for their openness and commitment to collaboration. A similar engagement with the Mexican Embassy is scheduled for Friday, as Ghana continues to lay the groundwork for a historic and well-supported World Cup campaign.
Sankofaonline
