By: Kwame Bediako
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has initiated discussions with the United States Embassy and the Canadian High Commission to streamline visa processes for Ghanaian football fans ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The move follows the Black Stars’ successful qualification for the global tournament, and aims to ensure supporters face fewer challenges in securing travel documentation to North America.
Technical Advisor to the Minister for Sports, Betty Krosbi Mensah, Ghana Football Association (GFA) President and CAF Vice President, Kurt Okraku, and senior directors from both the Foreign Affairs and Sports ministries represented Ghana’s interests during the consultations.
The United States delegation was led by Acting Ambassador Rolf Olson, while Acting Canadian High Commissioner Dennis Roussel headed the Canadian team.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed the meetings on his social media post, noting that the engagements sought to establish mutual understanding among all parties, improve coordination, and facilitate clearer visa procedures for Ghanaian travelers.
“The objectives of these engagements include ensuring there is mutual understanding of all sides on expectations and requirements, enhancing coordination, improving visa facilitation, and developing clear working roadmaps to maximize satisfaction,” he said.
Both sides discussed possible special arrangements for football fans, team officials, and delegation members outside the regular visa application framework.
The talks also addressed travel flexibility following the United States government’s recent reversal of its single-entry visa policy, now allowing Ghanaians multiple-entry access during the World Cup period hosted across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Ablakwa added that similar consultations with Mexican Embassy officials are scheduled for Friday, as part of broader efforts to secure seamless travel opportunities for Ghanaian supporters eager to cheer on the Black Stars across all three host nations.
