GFA President Kurt Okraku strengthens strategic ties with Destination DC ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2nd CAF Vice-President and President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has paid a working visit to Destination DC as part of a broader effort to explore strategic collaboration ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The visit follows the conclusion of the tournament’s final draw, which placed Ghana in Group L. With preparations now intensifying, the GFA is actively seeking international partnerships that will enhance Ghana’s visibility, operational readiness, and overall presence during the global showpiece.

During the meeting, President Simeon-Okraku and his delegation engaged the leadership of Destination DC to discuss potential areas of cooperation, including tourism promotion, cultural exchange, commercial partnerships, and diaspora-driven engagement throughout the World Cup period. Discussions were further enriched by the participation of Kimberly Bassett, Secretary of the District of Columbia, who joined the session to support alignment on shared development interests.

Accompanying the GFA President were Executive Council member Frederick Acheampong, Director of Marketing Jamil Maraby, and Chief of Staff Michael Osekre.

As the official destination marketing organisation for Washington, D.C., Destination DC plays an important role in driving economic growth through travel and tourism. The GFA views the partnership as an opportunity to leverage the vibrant Ghanaian and broader African communities in the United States to mobilise support for the Black Stars, while fostering long-term collaboration that extends beyond the World Cup.

The visit reflects the GFA’s proactive international engagement strategy, aimed at enhancing Ghana’s competitiveness on the pitch and building strategic alliances off it as the countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues.

Destination DC operates as a private, non-profit corporation with a membership of more than 1,000 businesses and organisations, all supporting the District’s travel and tourism ecosystem.

Ghana’s World Cup schedule for Group L will see the Black Stars face Panama on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 in Toronto, England on Tuesday, June 23 in Boston and Croatia on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Philadelphia.

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