Businessman and philanthropist Ibrahim Mahama has announced plans to reward the Black Stars financially after expressing satisfaction with the team’s performances at the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
The pledge was made during a visit to the Ghana camp in Rhode Island on Thursday, June 25, where Mahama met with players and the technical team ahead of their final Group Stage match against Croatia on Saturday, June 27.
Speaking to the squad, the Engineers and Planners founder said the team’s commitment, discipline and determination had exceeded his expectations, prompting him to release financial support he had initially decided to withhold until the players demonstrated their quality on the field.
“I was holding money back even when I pledged, and I told the minister that I wouldn’t release the money until I saw good performances. But now I want to rush home and give him all the money,” Mahama told the players.
His announcement comes at a time when public confidence in the Black Stars has grown following a series of encouraging performances at the tournament. The promised reward is expected to serve as an additional source of motivation as Ghana prepares for a crucial encounter against Croatia, with qualification to the knockout stages at stake.
Mahama also applauded Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz for quickly building a competitive and united team despite taking charge only weeks before the World Cup.
“You came in at a very short time, but you have been able to bring the boys together and produce wonderful performances,” he said.
The latest pledge reinforces Mahama’s long-standing support for Ghanaian football. Earlier this year, his company, Engineers and Planners, donated $5 million during the national fundraising campaign launched to support Ghana’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
With both government and private sector support continuing to grow, the Black Stars head into their final group fixture with renewed confidence and the backing of a nation eager to see them advance further in the competition.
By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang
