Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has initiated discussions with officials from the United States and Canada to streamline visa processes for Ghanaian football fans ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The engagements, held on Tuesday, October 21, in Accra, brought together senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Sports, as well as the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The US delegation was led by Acting Ambassador Rolf Olson, while Acting Canadian High Commissioner Dennis Roussel represented Canada.
Mr. Ablakwa noted that the meetings were aimed at creating a “mutual understanding of expectations and requirements” between Ghana and the host countries, while enhancing coordination and improving visa facilitation.
“The objectives of these engagements include ensuring there is mutual understanding of all sides on expectations and requirements, enhancing coordination, improving visa facilitation and developing clear working roadmaps to maximize satisfaction,” the Minister said in a statement.
He further revealed that the parties explored special visa arrangements outside regular procedures to simplify travel for football fans, officials, and team members traveling to North America for the global event.
Mr. Ablakwa also described as timely the United States’ recent reversal of visa restrictions that had previously limited Ghanaians to single-entry visas.
“The change will pave the way for multiple-entry visas, allowing Ghanaian fans to re-enter the US freely after watching games in Canada and Mexico,” he said.
The meeting formed part of government’s broader efforts to ensure that Ghanaian supporters experience a smooth and coordinated travel process during the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Minister added that a similar engagement has been scheduled with the Mexican Embassy later this week to complete discussions on travel facilitation for Ghanaian supporters.
