Ghana’s Black Stars fundraising campaign has received a significant boost, raising approximately $10 million on the very first day of its launch, according to Deputy Finance Minister and Chairman of the Fundraising Committee, Thomas Nyarko Ampem.
The high-profile launch event drew strong backing from across Ghana’s sports, entertainment, and business sectors. Among the notable attendees were President John Dramani Mahama, Sports Minister Kofi Adams, and Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku.
Speaking after the event, Ampem expressed optimism about the campaign’s early success, noting that the strong start places the committee firmly on course to achieve its $30 million target. The funds are intended to support the Black Stars’ preparations for upcoming international competitions.
“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 stated.
The initiative is expected to finance key activities for the national team, including four international friendly matches ahead of major tournaments.
Ampem further revealed that the campaign is designed to encourage grassroots participation, offering ordinary Ghanaians a chance to directly support the team. Through a shortcode system, contributors may also be selected to travel and cheer on the Black Stars during the World Cup.
“We are using some of this also to randomly select some Ghanaians to go and support the players. So, Ghanaians who are interested, the code is *899#. With just two or three steps, you stand a chance of representing Ghana to support the Black Stars at the World Cup,” he explained.
The launch event also brought together prominent figures from Ghana’s football history and entertainment industry, including former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah, ex-internationals Fatawu Dauda and Mohammed Polo, as well as music stars Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale, and Nacee.
Organisers say additional fundraising activities will be rolled out in the coming weeks as efforts continue to close the remaining gap toward the $30 million goal.
