Ghana’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has received a significant financial and moral boost, following a major donation from mining company, Zijin Golden Ridge Limited, towards the Black Stars’ campaign on the global stage.
In a remarkable show of patriotism and corporate responsibility, the company donated USD100,000 the equivalent of more than GH¢1.13 million to the Black Stars World Cup 2026 Fundraising Committee, during a presentation ceremony held at the Ministry of Finance.
The donation is being regarded as one of the biggest corporate contributions so far, towards Ghana’s World Cup preparations, as the nation intensifies efforts to ensure the Black Stars are adequately resourced ahead of football’s biggest tournament.
Ghana’s qualification for the Mundial sparked celebrations across the country, rekindling hopes of another memorable performance by the senior national team on the world stage.
However, stakeholders have repeatedly stressed that transforming qualification into a successful World Cup campaign requires substantial financial support, strategic preparation and national unity.
The gesture by Zijin Golden Ridge Limited, therefore, comes at a crucial moment, reinforcing growing confidence in the national fundraising drive established to mobilise resources for the Black Stars.
Speaking during the presentation, Vice President for Sustainability and External Relations at Zijin Golden Ridge Limited, Jason Zhang, said the company’s decision to support the national team was driven not merely by business interests, but by a deep sense of belonging and commitment to Ghana’s development.
According to him, the company sees itself as part of the Ghanaian story and believes supporting the Black Stars is a way of contributing to national pride and unity.
“We did not make this decision simply as a business gesture. We made it as a company that has put down roots in this country. We made this decision as a company that works alongside Ghanaian communities employs Ghanaian talent and considers Ghana’s progress our progress,” he stated.
He added that whenever the Black Stars compete internationally, they carry the aspirations and identity of the entire nation.
“When the Black Stars take the field on the world stage, they carry the hopes, pride and identity of every Ghanaian. We want to be counted among those standing behind them,” he emphasised.
The donation ceremony also highlighted the increasing support being shown by corporate Ghana towards the Black Stars’ World Cup ambitions, with government officials urging more institutions and individuals to contribute before the fundraising window closes.
Receiving the cheque on behalf of the fundraising committee, Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, expressed profound appreciation to Zijin Golden Ridge Limited for responding positively to the national call.
He described the contribution as timely and patriotic, while appealing to other companies that are yet to support the initiative to do so before the end of May.
“We want to use this opportunity to thank all those who have responded to this call. We are calling on those who are yet to respond to do so before the end of this month. On behalf of the fundraising committee, we say, ‘God bless you,’” he stated.
Mr. Ampem further disclosed that donations made towards the Black Stars World Cup campaign are tax deductible, encouraging corporate organizations and philanthropists to take advantage of the policy in their 2026 tax filings while contributing to national development through sports.
The fundraising campaign forms part of broader national efforts to ensure the Black Stars receive the financial backing needed for camping, logistics, player welfare, technical preparations, and international engagements ahead of the tournament.
With momentum steadily building around the campaign, many football enthusiasts believe contributions such as the one made by Zijin Golden Ridge Limited could inspire other corporate entities to support the team, as Ghana seeks to make a strong statement at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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