President Kurt E.S Okraku, Gold Fields visit Black Challenge ahead of World Cup

President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku and senior officials of Gold Fields Ghana Limited on Tuesday November 3, 2026, paid a working visit to Ghana’s Black Challenge to rally support for the team ahead of the 2026 WAFF Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.

The visit was aimed at boosting the morale of the players and technical team as they prepare to represent Ghana on the global stage.

President Simeon-Okraku expressed profound gratitude to Gold Fields for its commitment to the Black Challenge, following the company's pledge of US$500,000 over two years to support the team's participation in the upcoming World Cup and post-tournament training programmes.

Addressing the players and technical staff, the GFA President highlighted Gold Fields' longstanding relationship with Ghanaian football, tracing the company's historic involvement with the Football Association to 2005.

"When Gold Fields decided to partner Ghana football and be part of football, no company had that vision. I am particularly grateful to the leadership of the company for their sustained support," President Simeon-Okraku said.

He described the sponsorship as a significant investment in the dreams and aspirations of the Black Challenge players, whose commitment to the national team has continued to inspire the country.

"The Black Challenge is here today because Gold Fields has decided to invest half a million dollars to support the team. This is because of the decision to help our brothers who have a dream to represent Ghana at the highest level.

"That dream can only be realised through the right levels of support. The families of the Black Challenge are grateful. These are people with families. They occupy a special place in sporting history," he added.

The GFA President, who also serves as the Second Vice-President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), praised the players for their dedication and sacrifice, expressing confidence in their ability to excel at the World Cup.

"You are back-to-back African champions. You've been to Argentina, Mexico, and now back to Mexico again. Due to funds, you couldn't compete at the Mexico tournament, where you arrived when you had missed two games. But today, the story is different, courtesy of Gold Fields.

"By sacrificing your time and energy for Ghana, thank you to each and every one of you. Gold Fields has not reneged on its promise to the team," he said.

President Simeon-Okraku further described the Black Challenge as an invaluable national asset, assuring the players of the country's unwavering support as they embark on their World Cup campaign.

"We are not in doubt about the quality of the intangible asset that we have. Our prayers are with you, and we pray for the Almighty to give us luck and good health. We're confident about your chances, and we'll deliver on our promise. Be rest assured that Ghana is with you," he added.

On his part, Gold Fields Executive Vice-President Elliot Twum congratulated the Black Challenge on securing qualification for the global championship, while acknowledging the instrumental role played by President Simeon-Okraku in securing the sponsorship.

He reaffirmed Gold Fields' commitment to supporting Ghanaian football and urged the players to make the nation proud.

"Ghana is a wonderful football nation, and at various stages, we've had teams hoisting the flag of Ghana. From the sixties, to the seventies, to the eighties, nineties and now, different groups have thrived.

"I want to challenge you to go out there and make our nation proud. Let me state for the record that the FA President has been hugely influential in getting the sponsorship drive from Gold Fields," Twum said.

He added that Gold Fields, the GFA, and the Government of Ghana were firmly behind the team, expressing confidence in their ability to deliver a strong performance at the tournament.

"Gold Fields, the GFA, as well as government are backing you, so put up your best. We have confidence in you, that's why we're supporting you. On behalf of Gold Fields, we wish you the very best," he stated.

The Black Challenge have been drawn in Group D of the 2026 WAFF Amputee Football World Cup, where they will face Angola, Colombia, and Iraq in the group stage.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from November 13 to 22, 2026, in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico, and will feature 24 national teams from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

GFA Communications