Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed that Ghana is engaging in diplomatic consultations with the United States and Canada to design streamlined visa arrangements for citizens attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mr. Ablakwa noted that the discussions, held separately with both missions, form part of Ghana’s broader preparations to ensure smooth travel for fans and stakeholders supporting the Black Stars.
The engagements brought together senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Youth and Sports, the GFA President Mr. Kurt Okraku, and representatives from the two North American governments, led by Acting US Ambassador Rolf Olson and Acting Canadian High Commissioner Dennis Roussel.
For Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the meetings weren’t just about paperwork — they were about building bridges for fans eager to support the Black Stars on the global stage.
He explained that the discussions focused on creating a shared framework to simplify visa procedures, improve coordination, and ensure smooth travel for all involved.
Talks also centred on special visa arrangements for fans, team officials, and players — separate from the regular visa application channels.
One of the most welcome outcomes, Mr. Ablakwa revealed, was confirmation that the U.S. had lifted its single-entry visa restriction on Ghanaians, now allowing for multiple-entry permits. The change will enable fans to move freely across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico during the 2026 World Cup.
In a lighter moment, the minister shared his gratitude to GFA President Kurt Okraku for gifting embassy officials Black Stars jerseys. He added that a meeting with Mexican officials was scheduled for Friday to round off the diplomatic engagements.
