Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, has held separate meetings with officials of the US Embassy and the Canadian High Commission to initiate discussions on visa facilitation for Ghanaian football fans following the Black Stars’ qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The high-level engagements, held in Accra, brought together representatives from Ghana’s key sports and foreign affairs institutions.

The Ghanaian delegation included the Technical Advisor to the Minister for Youth and Sports, Miss Betty Krosbi Mensah, Ghana Football Association (GFA) President and CAF Vice President, Kurt Okraku, as well as senior directors from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Sports.

The US delegation was led by Acting Ambassador Rolf Olson, while the Canadian team was represented by Acting High Commissioner Dennis Roussel.

According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, the meetings were aimed at ensuring mutual understanding of expectations and requirements, improving coordination and visa facilitation, and developing clear working roadmaps to enhance the travel experience of Ghanaian fans, officials, and team members attending the tournament.

“These engagements are about building practical frameworks that make it easier for Ghanaian fans to travel, celebrate, and support the Black Stars during the World Cup,” Mr. Ablakwa said.

Discussions also covered the possibility of special visa arrangements for football supporters and delegations, separate from the regular visa application process.

The Minister highlighted that the recent reversal of US visa restrictions—which previously allowed only single-entry visas—was timely, as it will now enable Ghanaian fans to obtain multiple-entry visas, allowing flexible travel between the host nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The meeting concluded on a friendly note, with GFA President Kurt Okraku presenting Black Stars replica jerseys to the US and Canadian officials as tokens of appreciation.

Mr. Ablakwa further revealed that a similar engagement with the Mexican Embassy has been scheduled for Friday, completing the series of diplomatic consultations with all three host nations of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The initiative underscores Ghana’s proactive diplomacy and commitment to ensuring a smooth experience for its fans and officials as preparations for the global football showpiece intensify.