Ghana’s Youth and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif says the current economic situation in the country makes it impossible for the government to send supporters to Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup which kicks off on November 20.
In previous tournaments, the government successfully sent fans in the country to support the Black Stars- an example was the last Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
But with the current economic conditions in the country and the world at large, Hon Mustapha Ussif reveals they are not in a position to do that but called on interested citizens hoping to travel to Qatar to contact Kenpong Travel and Tour, the official travel agency.
He said this on Thursday during the unveiling of a $300,000 sponsorship package from Goldfields Ghana to support the Black Stars at the World Cup.
“In view of the current situation our country finds itself in, government has decided it won’t be financing supporters to the World Cup. As we have already announced, interested Ghanaians desiring to travel to Qatar for the World Cup can do through Kenpong Travel and Tour, the official travel agency appointed by the Ministry,” he said.
He added that “the Ministry of Youth and Sports will, however, continue to appeal to corporate Ghana and the private sector, to support and finance some Ghanaian fans to provide symbolic support for the Black Stars. As an alternative measure, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, in collaboration with the Ghanaian Mission in Qatar, will mobilise Ghanaians and other Africans based in Qatar to provide support for the Black Stars.
“Irrespective of the challenges, wherever we are, and everywhere we go, let us rally behind the Black Stars in this World Cup Campaign, Qatar 2022 and give them our unflinching support to make another worthwhile history in their World Cup journey.”
The Black Stars have been drawn in Group H of the tournament in Qatar as they will play Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay.
Ghana will play Switzerland on November 17, just seven days before their first match against Portugal in Qatar.
