Accra:Gold Fields Ghana Limited has announced its support for Ghana's national amputee football team, the Black Challenge, as they prepare for the 2026 Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico. The commitment was made during a meeting at the Mandiata Hotel in Accra, where the company encouraged the team to build on their past successes at the continental level.
According to Ghana News Agency, Gold Fields has allocated US$500,000 for the Black Challenge over two years, as part of a broader US$5 million sponsorship agreement with the Ghana Football Association (GFA). This funding, announced in May 2026, is intended to help develop amputee football in Ghana and bolster the team's preparations for international competitions.
Mr. Elliot Twum, Vice President and Managing Director of Gold Fields Ghana, praised the team for their achievements and expressed confidence in their potential to succeed at the World Cup. He stated, "You have achieved a lot for Ghana and earned our support. We are proud to be associated with the Black Challenge and remain committed to supporting football development."
The event was attended by prominent figures including Mr. Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, President of the GFA, and Mr. Samson Deen, President of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC). Mr. Simeon-Okraku reassured the players of the GFA's ongoing support and highlighted collaborative efforts with Gold Fields and the NPC to ensure the team has the necessary resources for a successful campaign.
Mr. Deen emphasized the importance of this partnership, describing it as a crucial boost for amputee football in Ghana. He expressed gratitude to both the GFA and Gold Fields for their belief in the team and their investment in its future.
The Black Challenge has a strong track record, having won the African Amputee Football Championship in 2021, secured gold at the inaugural African Para Games in Accra in 2023, and defended their continental title in 2024. In the upcoming World Cup, Ghana is placed in Group D with Angola, Colombia, and Iraq. The tournament will take place in San Juan de los Lagos, Mexico, from November 13 to 22, and will feature 24 nations competing for the title.