On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, the government officially launched the Ghana World Cup Raffle at the Ministry of Finance in Accra. The initiative follows President John Dramani Mahama's directive that state funds should not be used to transport or mobilize fans for international tournaments, a policy designed to avoid the financial mismanagement and controversies of previous years.
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Why a "Fund" Instead of State Support?
The shift toward a private-sector-led fundraising model is rooted in a commitment to fiscal discipline and transparency:
Avoiding Past Mistakes: The Majority Leader in Parliament, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, noted that using state funds for supporter mobilization has historically led to "abuses" and public outcry. The new model adheres to recommendations from previous commissions of inquiry.
The "Atmosphere" Necessity: While the government won't use public money, the President acknowledged that a "vibrant crowd" is essential for the Black Stars' success. The raffle serves as a middle ground to fund this atmosphere without straining the national budget.
Transparency and Accountability: Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams assured the public that the raffle will be managed with "strict oversight" and credible partners to ensure every cedi raised is accounted for.
How the Raffle Works
The raffle is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Finance, and the creative industry:
Direct Participation: Ghanaians can enter the raffle by dialing *899# on any network. Each ticket purchased is described as a "vote for the Black Stars".
Prizes: Beyond supporting the team, participants can win fully sponsored travel packages to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, as well as official memorabilia and other "travel experiences".
Long-term Sports Fund: A portion of the proceeds will be funneled into the newly established Ghana Sports Fund, which aims to support grassroots talent, infrastructure modernization, and athlete welfare beyond the World Cup.
Key World Cup Logistics
Group L: Ghana faces England, Croatia, and Panama in the group stage.
Base Camp: The Black Stars will be stationed at Bryant University in Rhode Island, USA, for their tournament preparations.
Visa Warning: President Mahama has urged all traveling fans to strictly adhere to U.S. visa regulations and return to Ghana after the tournament to protect the country's recently restored five-year non-immigrant visa status.
"This raffle is more than just a game; it's a platform for Ghanaians to participate directly in the Black Stars' World Cup journey." — Hon. Ampem Nyarko, Chairman of the Fundraising Committee.
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