Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced that he convened initial discussions yesterday with officials from the US Embassy and the Canadian High Commission to begin establishing streamlined visa arrangements for Ghanaian football supporters following the Black Stars’ qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Ghanaian delegation included the Technical Advisor to the Minister for Sports, Betty Krosbi Mensah, GFA President and CAF Vice President Kurt Okraku, alongside Senior Directors from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Sports.
The delegations from the host nations were led by Acting US Ambassador Rolf Olson and Acting Canadian High Commissioner Dennis Roussel, respectively. The primary goals of these crucial engagements are to ensure mutual understanding of all parties’ expectations, significantly enhance coordination, improve overall visa facilitation, and develop clear working roadmaps aimed at maximizing fan satisfaction throughout the tournament period.
Discussions also covered the necessity for special arrangements outside of the standard visa application procedures for football fans, officials, and the team itself. It was noted that the recent reversal of US visa restrictions—which had previously imposed single-entry limits—was timely, as this will now pave the way for multiple-entry visas, allowing Ghanaian fans the flexibility to re-enter the US after attending matches hosted in the other two nations, Canada and Mexico.
The Minister also acknowledged the gesture from GFA President Kurt Okraku, who presented replica Black Stars jerseys to the diplomatic teams. A similar engagement with officials from the Mexican Embassy is scheduled for Friday.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
