The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has donated GH¢50,000 to Ghana’s national amputee football team, the Black Challenge, and pledged poultry farming support for eight locally based players ahead of the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.
Opoku made the donation during a visit to the team’s training session at the University of Ghana, where he was accompanied by Deputy Minister John Dumelo and other officials of the ministry.
Addressing the players, the minister assured them of the nation’s support as they prepare to represent Ghana at the global tournament.
“You are going to hold the flag of Ghana, and our presence here indicates that the whole nation is behind you,” he said, urging the team to approach the competition with confidence.
The GH¢50,000 donation adds to the GH¢100,000 contribution made earlier by dancehall artiste Stonebwoy, bringing the total support from the two donors to GH¢150,000.
Beyond the financial assistance, Opoku pledged to enrol the eight locally based players in the government’s Nkoko Nketenkete poultry programme, with plans to develop a special package for them after the tournament.
“When you return, we want the players to be part of our Nkoko Nketenkete programme. We’re putting together a special package, so as soon as you return, get in touch with us,” he stated.
The initiative is expected to create opportunities for the players to venture into poultry farming while continuing their sporting careers.
Nkoko Nketenkete forms part of the government’s Feed Ghana Programme, which seeks to strengthen local food production, improve household incomes and promote food security.
The minister’s pledge adds an economic empowerment dimension to the Black Challenge’s World Cup preparations, with the proposed agribusiness support aimed at helping the players build sustainable livelihoods beyond football.
Ghana will compete in Group D alongside Angola, Colombia and Iraq at the 2026 World Amputee Football Cup, scheduled for November 13 to 22 in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico.
The tournament will feature 24 national teams competing for the world title as the Black Challenge seek to make Ghana proud on the international stage.
“We are here to be part of your story,” Opoku told the players.
