BoG, GRA, SIC Insurance, Timeline and Innovations anchor Black Stars world cup funding push

Ghana’s World Cup fundraising campaign received a fresh boost as the Bank of Ghana (BoG), the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), SIC Insurance and Timeline and Innovation Company Limited emerged among the largest contributors to a national effort aimed at financing the Black Stars’ participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem said the fundraising committee has entered the final phase of mobilisation, with about two weeks left before the team’s preparations and travel arrangements intensify ahead of the tournament, which begins on June 11. Ghana’s first match is scheduled for June 17.

Speaking during the presentation of sponsorship support by SIC Insurance and Timeline and Innovation Company Limited, Mr. Ampem disclosed that the BoG had contributed GH¢5 million to the campaign, while the GRA transferred US$300,000 into a dedicated dollar account established for the fundraising exercise.

Timeline and Innovation Company Limited also made an additional GH¢1 million donation after an earlier GH¢1 million contribution, while SIC Insurance joined the campaign with a GH¢1 million contribution. The National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA) has also contributed GH¢500,000, according to the deputy minister.

Mr. Ampem said the committee expects to conclude fundraising activities within the next two weeks before handing over the total amount raised to the Ministry of Sports for utilisation.

“We are only raising the funds. When it comes to the utilisation, it will be for the Sports Ministry to do so,” he said.

He noted that the fundraising structure includes dedicated cedi, dollar, pound and euro accounts held at the central bank to allow contributors to donate in multiple currencies. According to him, the arrangement is intended to simplify contributions from institutions and individuals both within and outside Ghana.

“The account names are similar — the 2026 World Cup Fundraising Committee account — whether dollar, cedi, euro or pound,” Mr. Ampem said, adding that recent exchange rate stability should help reduce currency-related uncertainties around the campaign.

The latest contributions reflect increasing reliance on a public-private financing model for major sporting events, with state institutions, regulators and private firms supporting national team participation through direct financial contributions and sponsorship packages.

Managing Director of SIC Insurance, Ing. Solomon Twum Barimah, said the insurer’s participation aligns with its corporate mandate and long-standing support for national initiatives.

“We are a life insurance company and we support the country’s vision for football,” he said. “There are other packages in terms of life insurance that we are putting together for the team.”

Ing. Barimah indicated that SIC Insurance may announce additional support measures in the coming weeks as preparations for the tournament advance.

Timeline and Innovation Company Limited also reiterated its support for the national team. Dr. Felix Osum Boafo, Head of Monitoring and Evaluation at the company, said the firm’s contribution was intended to support Ghana’s participation at the global tournament and demonstrate corporate solidarity behind the Black Stars.

The fundraising campaign comes at a time when governments across Africa are increasingly seeking private-sector participation in sports financing amid broader fiscal pressures and competing budget priorities. Ghana has in recent years faced tighter expenditure controls under its International Monetary Fund-supported economic reform program, increasing scrutiny over public spending commitments outside core sectors.

The committee is expected to announce the final amount raised before the Black Stars depart for the tournament.

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