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Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has initiated discussions with officials from the US Embassy and the Canadian High Commission to facilitate visa arrangements for Ghanaian football fans following the Black Stars’ qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The meetings, held yesterday, aimed at developing coordinated visa processes to ensure a smooth travel experience for supporters, officials, and the national team during the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Ghanaian delegation included the Technical Advisor to the Minister for Sports, Hon. Betty Krosbi Mensah, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and CAF Vice President, Kurt Okraku, alongside senior directors from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Sports.
The US delegation was led by Acting Ambassador Rolf Olson, while Acting Canadian High Commissioner Dennis Roussel represented the Canadian side.
According to the Minister, the discussions sought to establish a mutual understanding of expectations, enhance coordination, improve visa facilitation, and develop a clear roadmap to ensure maximum satisfaction for all parties involved.
The meeting also explored the possibility of special visa arrangements for Ghanaian football fans, officials, and the national team outside regular application procedures.
Mr. Ablakwa described the recent reversal of US visa restriction which had limited travellers to single-entry visas, as timely, noting that the return to multiple-entry visas will now allow Ghanaian fans to travel freely between the US, Canada, and Mexico during the World Cup.
In a light moment, the Minister expressed appreciation to GFA President Kurt Okraku for presenting Black Stars replica jerseys to the diplomatic teams.
Mr. Ablakwa disclosed that a similar engagement will be held with officials from the Mexican Embassy on Friday as part of ongoing efforts to secure favourable travel arrangements for Ghanaian supporters.
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