E&P donates $5m to Black Stars - Fundraiser mobilises $11.5m, GH¢13.97m
Indigenous mining and engineering company, Engineers and Planners (E&P), made a $5 million commitment towards the Black Stars for Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as officials began to mobilise resources for Ghana’s campaign in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The contribution, one of the largest single private-sector donations in recent years towards the national team, positions E&P as the headline sponsor for Ghana’s World Cup fundraising drive, which targets to raise $30 million for the campaign.
The investment is expected to play a critical role in enhancing the team’s preparations for the global tournament, while also signalling renewed corporate confidence in the Black Stars.
For a country where football is more than just a sport, the intervention carries significance far beyond financial support.
It represents a rallying point for national pride, unity and belief in Ghana’s ability to compete on the world stage.
In total, commitments at the launch of the fundraising drive reached $11.496 million (equivalent of GH¢125.57 million) plus $20,000 in campaign music, and an additional GH¢13.97 million local currency component, all from corporate bodies, business personalities, entertainment stars and other individuals.
The global showpiece event will be staged from June 11 to July 19 this year.
Strategic support
As headline sponsor, E&P is expected to provide vital financial backing across key areas of the Black Stars’ preparations, including player welfare, logistics, training programmes and international engagements.
Officials involved in the fundraising drive say the initiative is designed to mobilise resources to ease the financial burden on the state and football authorities, while ensuring that the team is adequately prepared for the demanding global competition.
“The scale of E&P’s support underscores the importance of private sector participation in sports development, particularly at a time when national teams require significant resources to compete at the highest level,” a top Ghana football official said.
President John Dramani Mahama graced the launch alongside Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku, as well as other influential dignitaries from across the country.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Fundraising Subcommittee of the World Cup Ministerial Committee, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, disclosed that the initiative was targeting to raise $30 million.
Rationale for support
At the event, E&P was represented by its Director of Operations, Biliguo Eric Adama, and Rafik Mahama, Special Aide to the Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ibrahim Mahama, who missed the event.
Rafik later explained to the media that E&P’s support for the Ghana national football team was rooted in the company’s longstanding commitment to football development in the country.
He stated that the company’s involvement in the sport extended beyond the World Cup, highlighting years of support for clubs such as Real Tamale United and other teams across the country.
The Special Aide said E&P’s backing for the Black Stars’ participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup formed part of its broader corporate social responsibility aimed at giving back to society and supporting a sport that united millions of Ghanaians.
A nation’s heartbeat
“Football occupies a unique place in Ghanaian society. It is a unifying force that transcends politics, ethnicity and social class.
“From local colts football pitches to packed viewing centres during international matches, the sport remains deeply embedded in the country’s cultural fabric,” Rafik said, adding that Ghanaians did not merely watch football, but actually “live it”.
He said the fortunes of the national football team were closely tied to the national mood, with victories sparking widespread celebrations, while defeats often triggered deep reflection.
“The Black Stars’ journey to the 2026 World Cup has already reignited this passion,” he added.
Mixed legacy
Ghana’s World Cup history is rich with moments of brilliance, resilience and heartbreak.
But the trauma of the 2014 event in Brazil was founded on player revolt over bonuses and the mode of payment.
The discussions put Ghana in the spotlight as a subject of ridicule on the global stage, as the team fell from the high of missing the semi-finals of the 2010 edition by the narrowest of margins to an early exit four years on at just the group stage.
The fundraising drive and the generous commitments from the public and corporate front have become the foundation for a reformed approach to the World Cup campaign, an element of national pride that seals all forms of disagreements in society.
Other donations
Other support for the team’s campaign came from Goldfields Ghana ($2 million, plus $1 million next year for Black Stars activities), Jewel Energy ($1 million person $1 million $2 million), musicians Shatta Wale ($100,000) and Stonebwoy ($81,000 plus $20,000 campaign song music production), Alhaii Musah's Timeline and Innovation Company ($300,000), Christian Salamony Game Technology; KGL (GH¢10 million), Seriene Insurance (GH¢2 million plus GH¢20,000 insurance package for Black Stars), P&A African Food International plus Degree Auto Mechanic ($15,000), Abosokai Spare Parts Dealers (GH¢500,000), Icon Energy (GH¢1 million), Pay AngeI (GH¢100,000), Erata Motors (GH¢200,000) and Nana Adjoo Baah (GH¢150,000).
