The Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB) has contributed GH¢5 million to the Ministry of Sports and Recreation to support the Black Stars as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The handing over ceremony, which took place at the bank’s headquarters in Accra, attracted officials from GCB Bank and the Sports Ministry.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of the Bank Board, Joshua Alabi, highlighted the role of sports in reflecting a country’s identity, pride and the need to invest in it to position it well on the global stage.

“Football unites the country, and supporting the national team goes beyond banking. It is about investing in hope, resilience and national representation on the global stage,” he said.

Prof. Alabi added that Ghana’s participation in major international tournaments such as the World Cup offers an opportunity to project the country positively while improving logistical and welfare support for the team.

Receiving the donation, Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams,thanked the bank, describing the gesture as “timely and deeply valued” as they go a long way to boost the confidence of the players.

He noted that corporate backing remains crucial to the growth of the sector and commended the bank for being among the early institutions to respond to the fund’s call for support.

“The support from GCB Bank is timely and deeply valued. The Black Stars represent the hopes of the nation, and collaborations like this strengthen our ability to prepare and compete with confidence. This contribution stands out as the most substantial support from a financial institution towards Ghanaian sports in recent times,” it noted.

According to him, training provided by GCB for personnel managing the fund would also enhance its efficiency and long-term impact.

The Minister further praised the bank’s nationwide presence, describing its support as a strong example of how corporate Ghana can contribute to sports development and the promotion of national pride.

“The support and capacity building provided give confidence that the fund will be well managed and deliver its intended purpose. Corporate backing remains crucial to the growth of the sector, and GCB Bank has shown leadership by being among the earliest institutions to respond to the sports fund”, he added.

Thursdays set aside for World Cup pledges

In late April, the government announced that every Thursday is designated as a day for receiving pledges and informing the public about the fundraising drive to sponsor the Ghana Black Stars for the 2026 World Cup.

“Every Thursday, we will meet here to receive contributions, allowing those who are yet to fulfil their pledges to do so,” Mr Ampem said.

Speaking at a brief ceremony held at the Ministry of Finance in Accra to acknowledge the contributions made toward Ghana’s official 2026 World Cup Fundraising Account and encourage more support from other bodies, Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem highlighted that the move forms part of the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the fundraising drive.

Mr Thomas Nyarko Ampem indicated that all contributions were paid into the official 2026 World Cup Fundraising Account at the Bank of Ghana.

KGL Group contributed GHC5 million, representing half of its GHC10 million pledge. Serene Insurance donated GHC2 million in cash and provided a GHC20 million insurance package.

Icon Energy and Jewel Energy each gave GHC1 million, while Erata Motors donated GHC200,000 and PayAngel contributed GHC100,000. Alex Okyere of KAF Company Limited made a personal donation of GHC240,000.

“We are grateful to all of you for your love for the Black Stars. Even though the first two friendly matches did not go well, we remain optimistic that the team will make us proud at the World Cup,” he said.

The fundraising initiative, launched in March 2026 by President John Dramani Mahama, seeks to raise $30 million for the tournament.

He urged corporate bodies and individuals to support the initiative.

“We urge corporate bodies and individuals to support the initiative,” he added.

An amount of $10m was raised at the launch of Black Stars' fundraising campaign organised on Monday, March 23, ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.

This information was disclosed by the Deputy Finance Minister and Chairman of the Fundraising Committee, Thomas Nyarko Ampem.

“The fundraising target is $30 million, and if you listen to the pledges and donations, on day one of the launch, we got about $10 million. We are going to put together other events, and we believe that the contributions that are coming in from the short code as well,” he said.

The launch event was attended by high-profile individuals, including President John Dramani Mahama, Sports Minister Kofi Adams, and Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku.