Story: Sports Desk

Ghana’s Black Stars fundraising campaign has recorded a major boost, raising about $10 million on the first day of its launch, according to Deputy Finance Minister and Chairman of the Fundraising Committee, Thomas Nyarko Ampem.

The high-profile launch event, attended by President John Dramani Mahama, Sports Minister Kofi Adams, and Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku, drew strong support from across the sports, entertainment, and business sectors.

Speaking after the event, Mr Nyarko Ampem said the early momentum puts the committee on track to meet its $30 million target to support the Black Stars’ participation in 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 said.

The initiative is expected to fund preparations for the national team, including four international friendly matches ahead of major tournaments.

Ampem Nyarko also revealed that part of the campaign is designed to give ordinary Ghanaians the opportunity to directly support the team.

“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 said.

The event brought together key national figures, 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 said  additional fundraising activities would  be rolled out in the coming weeks as they seek to close the remaining gap toward the $30 million target.