By Francis Ofori, GNA
Accra, May 13, GNA – Mr Thomas Nyarko Ampem, the Deputy Minister for Finance has received a cheque for Gh¢3m (three million Ghana Cedis) from Stanbic Bank on behalf of the government.
The donation is being a redemption of their pledge to support the national team’s participation at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The support is also in response to the fundraising effort launched by President John Dramani Mahama in March targeting $30m from corporate Ghana and individuals to boost the Black Stars’ campaign in North America where Ghana will make a 5th appearance on the global stage.
Ghana is paired in Group L of the historic 48-team tournament, with the Black Stars scheduled to play Panama in Toronto, Canada on June 17, England in Boston, USA on June 23 and Croatia in Philadelphia, USA on June 27.
Mr Kwamina Asomaning, the Chief Executive of Stanbic Bank presenting the cheque disclosed that their support was structured in two ways.
He said the first part was a participation contribution to address more pressing needs, and the second as an incentive portion to motivate and encourage the team to look beyond the first round and go all the way to the finals.
He said ultimately, the performance incentive package which was allocated all the way to the grand finale, would still be made available to be given to a charity of the Black Stars choosing in case they do not get that far.
“It is a great pride for us to come together to support the Black Stars. As a bank, we have been inextricably linked to sports in Ghana, and sponsored table tennis, arm wrestling badminton tennis, hockey, basketball, swimming, and soccer has not been left out,” Mr. Asomaning said.
The Chief Executive said “So we are quite excited today to be in a position to contribute to our participation in this global event.”
Other donors on the day were Newmont Ghana ($500,000) and OmniBSIC Bank, Gh¢250,000.
Mr Ampem, who is also the Chairman of the Black Stars World Cup Fundraising Committee receiving the cheque, commended Stanbic Bank and the other contributors for their patriotic support towards the Black Stars.
“We are grateful for the response and, as we have already indicated, we will meet here every Thursday to receive donations,” he said.
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade