World Cup Fund surplus to support Ghana Sports Fund – Deputy Finance Minister

Deputy Finance Minister and World Cup Fundraising Committee Chairman, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has confirmed that any surplus from the Black Stars World Cup fundraising campaign will be channelled into the Ghana Sports Fund to support long-term sports development.

Speaking to Citi Sports at the campaign launch at the Kempinski Hotel on Friday, Ampem stressed that all contributions will be carefully managed in dedicated Bank of Ghana accounts.

"Excess money that will be generated will be donated to the Ghana Sports Fund so that it will continue to support sports in this country," he said.

The high-profile launch event was attended by President John Dramani Mahama, Sports Minister Kofi Adams, and GFA President Kurt Okraku, alongside former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah, ex-internationals Fatawu Dauda and Mohammed Polo, and music stars Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale, and Nacee. Prominent business leaders were also present, underscoring widespread support for the initiative.

The committee aims to raise $30 million to cover the Black Stars' participation in the tournament, including preparations for four international friendlies. On the first day of the launch, $10 million was already secured through corporate and individual donations.

A World Cup raffle will also give fans the chance to support the team while competing for an all-expenses-paid trip to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama and will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto.