The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku has rewarded Ghana’s Black Challenge with GH¢50,000 and pledged poultry business opportunities under the government’s ‘Nkoko Nketenkete’ programme as the national amputee football team prepares for the 2026 World Cup in Mexico.
Mr Opoku, accompanied by his deputy, John Setor Dumelo, visited the team during training at the University of Ghana on Monday (Oct 26, 2026), where the two officials also tested their football skills in a penalty shootout against the team’s goalkeeper, with both successfully converting their kicks.
The visit was a show of solidarity with the 20-member Ghanaian contingent, comprising 15 players and five officials, ahead of the November 13–22 tournament in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico.
“You are going to fly the flag of Ghana, and our presence here indicates that the whole nation is firmly behind you,” the minister told the players.
He urged the reigning African champions to approach the competition with confidence, adding: “You are stronger than you know. We are here to motivate and encourage you that the sky is the limit.”
Beyond the financial donation, Mr Opoku announced a special business opportunity for the Black Challenge to become poultry farmers. He initially announced the package for the team’s eight home-based players. However, after officials explained that the seven foreign-based players and the team officials were also interested, he extended the pledge to all 20 members of the contingent.
The package is expected to provide beneficiaries with opportunities to establish poultry businesses, including support with birds, feed, equipment and technical guidance to be coordinated by Mr Dumelo upon their return from the tournament.
“The Ministry of Food and Agriculture is putting together a special package, so as soon as you return, get in touch with us,” he said, explaining that the initiative would help the players establish sustainable livelihoods beyond football.
The intervention adds to growing support for the Black Challenge. Dancehall star Stonebwoy recently donated GH¢100,000, while Old Tafo MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah contributed GH¢10,000, alongside bottled water and soft drinks.
Ghana’s preparations have included camping in Accra, with a planned final training camp in Türkiye affected by visa-related delays.
