Gold Fields Ghana pledges US$500,000 to Black Challenge World Cup bid

Gold Fields Ghana Limited has committed US$500,000 to support the Black Challenge, Ghana's national amputee football team, ahead of the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico. The pledge, announced during a meeting at the Mendiata Hotel in Accra, is structured to be disbursed over two years. This financial commitment is part of a broader US$5 million sponsorship agreement between the mining firm and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to bolster national football development.

During the meeting, key sports officials including GFA President Kurt Okraku and National Paralympic Committee (NPC) President Samson Deen emphasized the importance of rigorous preparation for the upcoming global tournament. Gold Fields representatives encouraged the players to carry their competitive spirit to the world stage, noting that the investment aims to provide the necessary resources for the team to excel. The Black Challenge is currently preparing for their first World Cup title bid after establishing themselves as a dominant force on the continent.

Adding to the team's momentum, the French Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Diarra Dimé-Labille, also met with the squad to praise their dedication and past achievements. She reaffirmed France's commitment to promoting inclusion for persons with disabilities and offered the assistance of the French Embassy during the team's preparations. The Ambassador urged the players to remain focused on the trophy, telling them to reach out for support whenever necessary.

The 2026 Amputee Football World Cup is scheduled to take place from November 13 to November 22 in Mexico. The Black Challenge has been drawn into Group D, where they will face Angola, Colombia, and Iraq in the opening stages. With both significant financial backing and diplomatic support secured, the team is now positioned to focus entirely on their training and tactical preparations for the tournament.