President cautions that failure to return could reverse gains made in restoring Ghana’s visa-free access to America
President John Dramani Mahama has issued a strong appeal to Ghanaian football fans planning to travel to the United States and Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging them to return home after the tournament to protect the country’s hard-won travel privileges.
Delivering his State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Friday, February 27, President Mahama warned that supporters who overstay their visas could damage Ghana’s international standing and undo recent progress in relations with the United States .
Protecting hard-won gains
The President revealed that Ghana had worked tirelessly to restore its five-year non-immigrant visa status and secure removal from the US banned list. He expressed concern that the upcoming World Cup could jeopardise these achievements if fans fail to respect immigration laws .
“Supporters and other people interested in going to support the team would have to submit visa requests to the American Embassy,” We are being told that we must ensure that supporters who go return on the visas. It has taken a lot of work to restore Ghana’s five-year non-immigrant visas and take us off the banned list” .
He added: “It is my hope that this event will not send thousands of Ghanaians to America and get us back on the banned list” .
US Embassy reinforces warning
The President’s remarks come after the United States Embassy in Accra issued similar cautions to Ghanaian travellers. Chargé d’Affaires Rolf Olson recently announced that thousands of new visa appointment slots had been opened for World Cup-bound supporters, but stressed that obtaining a visa does not guarantee entry or permission to stay beyond the approved period .
Olson explained that US Customs and Border Protection officers at ports of entry make the final decision on admission and length of stay. He emphasised that travellers must depart before their authorised stay expires, warning that overstays would not be tolerated .
The Embassy also clarified there would be no special visa procedures or expedited processes specifically for World Cup applicants, urging fans to apply early through official channels .
Immigration consultant echoes concerns
In early February, regulated Canadian immigration consultant Marie Keita Amarteifio warned Ghanaian fans that securing match tickets or hotel bookings does not guarantee visa approval. She stressed that each applicant must independently satisfy visitor visa requirements, including demonstrating strong ties to Ghana through employment, family commitments, property ownership, and sufficient financial capacity to cover all travel expenses .
Amarteifio advised supporters to apply early and avoid individuals or agents who promise guaranteed visas, as all applications must be processed through official embassy and consulate procedures .
Government oversight and funding
The government has taken steps to ensure Ghana’s World Cup participation is well-coordinated and does not harm the country’s reputation. In November 2025, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah inaugurated an 11-member Ministerial Oversight Committee to supervise Ghana’s preparation and participation in the tournament .
The committee is chaired by Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku and includes football legend Abedi Pele, Sports Minister Kofi Adams, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Youth Development Minister George Opare Addo .
Other members are Stan Xoese Dogbe from the Office of the President, Deputy Tourism and Culture Minister Yusif Jajah, Deputy Finance Minister Ampem Nyarkoh, Deputy National Security Coordinator Elizabeth Yankah, and Sports Ministry Chief Director Wilhelmina Asamoah .
During the inauguration, Mr Debrah tasked the committee with ensuring Ghana’s name is not brought into disrepute, while still enabling as many fans as possible to travel and support the team .
The government has allocated GH¢150 million to support the Black Stars’ World Cup campaign, underscoring its commitment to sports development and national representation on the global stage . Sports Minister Kofi Adams later detailed a comprehensive budget of $13.78 million (GH¢146.27 million) covering pre-tournament friendlies, appearance fees, match bonuses, and per diems for players and technical staff .
World Cup preparations and group stage
The Black Stars will use Bryant University as their base camp training site for the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in June 2026 .
Ghana has been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama. The team will open their campaign against Panama on June 17, face England on June 23, and conclude the group stage against Croatia on June 27 .
The Black Stars will play pre-World Cup friendlies against Germany, Austria, and Mexico as part of their preparations for the tournament .
Past experiences and future consequences
President Mahama’s warning reflects past experiences where Ghanaians attending sporting events abroad overstayed their visas, leading to stricter immigration measures against the country. He emphasised that the government has worked hard to restore Ghana’s reputation and secure favourable travel arrangements with the United States .
With thousands of Ghanaian fans expected to travel to North America for the tournament, authorities are counting on their cooperation to ensure the country maintains its good standing and continues to enjoy favourable travel privileges in the future.