Businessman and philanthropist Ibrahim Mahama has pledged a special bonus to the Black Stars should they defeat Croatia and secure qualification to the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mahama made the announcement during a visit to Ghana’s training camp in Rhode Island on Thursday as part of a high-powered government delegation led by Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Victor Smith.
The delegation also included Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams and Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who conveyed a message of encouragement from President John Dramani Mahama ahead of Ghana’s decisive Group L encounter.
Addressing the players and technical team, Ibrahim Mahama commended head coach Carlos Queiroz for transforming the Black Stars in the short period since taking charge.
“I’m very proud because you came in at a shorter time, and you’ve been able to put the boys together. Wonderful performance,” Mahama told the Portuguese coach.
The businessman then challenged the players to finish the job against Croatia, promising them a personal financial reward if they book a place in the knockout stage.
“I have a much better bonus for you than the taxpayers because they have to go to Parliament. I don’t have to go to Parliament. Please do us proud,” Mahama said to applause from the squad.
The younger brother of President John Dramani Mahama has been one of the Black Stars’ strongest supporters throughout Ghana’s World Cup campaign.
Earlier this year, his company contributed US$5 million to a national fundraising campaign launched to support Ghana’s participation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Black Stars head into Saturday’s final Group L fixture against Croatia knowing that victory will guarantee their place in the Round of 32 after opening their campaign with a 1-0 win over Panama before holding England to a goalless draw.
Mahama’s latest pledge is expected to further motivate the squad as Ghana seeks to continue its impressive World Cup run under Queiroz and advance to the knockout stages.
