President Mahama inaugurates Inter-Ministerial committee for Ghana’s 2026 World Cup campaign

President John Mahama has inaugurated an 11-member inter-ministerial committee to oversee Ghana’s preparations and participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The committee, unveiled on Wednesday, November 26, will be chaired by Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Xoese Dogbe, with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa serving as deputy.

Committee Members

• Stan Xoese Dogbe – Deputy Chief of Staff (Chairman)


• Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa – Minister of Foreign Affairs (Deputy Chair)


• Kofi Adams – Minister for Sports and Recreation


• George Opare – Minister for Youth Development


• Yusif Jajah – Deputy Minister for Tourism and Culture


• Ampem Nyarkoh – Deputy Minister of Finance


• Kurt Okraku – President, Ghana Football Association


• Elizabeth Yankah – Deputy National Security Coordinator


• Abedi Ayew Pele – Former Black Stars captain


• Wilhelmina Asamoah – Chief Director, Ministry of Sports and Recreation


• Michael Esuon – Director of Finance & Administration, Ministry of Sports and Recreation (Secretary)

Mandate

The committee will serve as a strategic working body, tasked with:

• Coordinating technical and administrative preparations


• Ensuring accountability and governance in planning


• Driving youth development and inclusive sports growth


• Overseeing logistics and nationwide mobilisation for the World Cup

“It is necessary to ensure proper coordination between the technical and all other individual components so that we do not work in silos.”

Funding Commitment

The government has already allocated GHS150 million to support Ghana’s World Cup campaign, covering infrastructure, logistics, and grassroots programmes.

This inauguration signals Ghana’s intent to approach the 2026 World Cup with structured planning, cross-sector collaboration, and significant investment, as the Black Stars aim to make a strong impact on the global stage