By Jibril Abdul Mumuni, GNA
Accra, March 29, GNA – Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA) says Bryant University in Rhode Island, United States, is fully prepared and well-positioned to serve as Ghana’s base camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He said the partnership between the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Bryant University, and other key stakeholders would ensure optimal preparation for the Black Stars, Ghana’s senior national football team, as they prepare for their fifth World Cup appearance.
He said this when officials of the university held a brief meeting with officials of the NSA and other relevant stakeholders.
The visit also formed part of ongoing efforts of cultural exchange between the University and their counterparts in Ghana.
According to the NSA Director-General, the choice of Bryant University was strategic, noting that the University’s facilities, organisation, and hospitality would allow the players and technical staff to focus fully on performance.
“This is Ghana’s fifth World Cup, and about 20 years after our debut in Germany 2006, we would have learnt significant lessons from previous tournaments,” he said.
“This time around, the Football Association knows exactly what we want and what we do not want, and having Bryant University as the team’s home makes the preparations easier and more efficient.”
He commended Bryant University, and their Ghanaian counterparts for coordinating the partnership, stating that the collaboration reflected foresight and strong institutional planning.
The NSA Director-General said the environment at Bryant University would provide comfort and familiarity for the team, adding that the Ghanaian presence would likely transform the area into a mini-Ghanaian community during the tournament period.
“I am very happy that this partnership has been concluded, and I look forward to a very exciting countdown and a successful tournament,” he added.
He further noted that beyond World Cup preparations, the collaboration offered valuable lessons for Ghana, particularly in infrastructure management, facility maintenance, and sports administration.
“What these facilities offer us is the opportunity to observe, learn, and improve. Our coaches and administrators will pick lessons not only during the World Cup, but from the four previous tournaments we have participated in, and apply them to future competitions, including the qualifiers ahead.”
Mr Ankrah reaffirmed the NSA’s commitment to raising standards locally, indicating that experience gained from international exposure would help improve Ghana’s sporting infrastructure in the long term.
Dr Edi Tebaldi, Vice President for Strategy and Partnerships at Bryant University, said the institution was honoured to be selected by Ghana as its official World Cup base camp.
Dr Tebaldi explained that Bryant University was chosen by FIFA as a potential base camp for participating teams and that Ghana’s decision to select the University was a source of pride for the institution.
“We were chosen by Ghana, and we are truly honoured. That is why we took the time to come to Ghana, to meet stakeholders and begin building a relationship that goes beyond just the World Cup.”
He said Ghana’s youthful population, growing talent base, and leadership potential made the country a strategic partner for Bryant University.
Dr Tebaldi noted that the partnership would extend beyond football to education, leadership development, faculty exchange, and student opportunities between Ghana and the United States.
“Our goal is to foster an exchange of talented students from Ghana studying in the United States and also American students coming to Ghana to learn about culture, business, and opportunities,” he stated.
He added that Bryant University was engaging with tertiary institutions, local businesses, and the Ghanaian Chamber to ensure that the collaboration would deliver long-term benefits to both sides.
Dr Tebaldi praised the hospitality received in Ghana and emphasized the University’s commitment to ensuring that Ghana’s stay in Rhode Island would be comfortable, professional, and focused on success at the World Cup.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade