Ghana’s football aspirations have received a massive lift with the announcement that MTN Ghana, the nation’s leading telecommunications provider, has signed a $2 million sponsorship agreement with the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The two-year deal, unveiled at a colourful ceremony in Accra, will see MTN become the headline sponsor for the Black Stars, Black Queens, Black Satellites, Black Starlets, and the U-19 Elite Championship from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2027.
The sponsorship is being hailed as a decisive boost for the country’s football ecosystem, ensuring that both senior and junior national teams have the resources to prepare effectively for international competitions while nurturing the next generation of stars.
A strategic investment in national pride
Speaking at the signing ceremony, MTN Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Blewett, said the investment is a testament to MTN’s deep belief in Ghana’s football potential and the unifying role the sport plays in national life.
“For over a decade, we have been privileged to walk alongside Ghanaian football as the headline sponsor of the MTN FA Cup. Together with the GFA, we have revived one of Ghana’s most historic competitions, creating a stage for young players to dream, to work, and to shine,” Mr. Blewett said.
He stressed that this was far more than a corporate sponsorship, describing it as an initiative that reflects MTN’s long-term vision of youth empowerment, gender inclusion, and building a sustainable future for football in the country.
“This is more than a sponsorship. It is about deepening the bond between us and the people of Ghana, the GFA, the Ministry, and the entire sports fraternity. It is about national pride, youth empowerment, and building a sustainable future for football in this country,” he emphasised.
Boosting preparations for global competition
GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku described the deal as a timely intervention that would transform the quality of preparation for Ghana’s national teams.
“The investment by MTN will ensure that these young boys and girls have the best of preparations that will put them in a competitive mood for the big championships,” he said.
He noted that MTN’s faith in the GFA’s leadership and its continued investment in football had been crucial for talent discovery, citing the example of Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and other players who have moved from local leagues to top-flight football in Europe.
“Through the FA Cup, players from all divisions have been discovered and gone on to represent Ghana. This $2 million investment will ensure our teams are well-prepared to compete not only in Africa but on the world stage,” Mr. Simeon-Okraku added.
Relieving the financial burden on govt
Chief Director at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Wilhemina Asamoah, called the sponsorship “very significant” and a model for corporate Ghana’s involvement in sports development.
“The performance of our national teams will reflect the quality of their preparation, and this partnership relieves a huge burden on the Ministry. The sports industry is worth $800 billion globally, and we must position ourselves to invest in world-class sports for sustainable national growth. MTN’s commitment is commendable and worthy of emulation,” she said.
Her remarks underline the fact that without such corporate interventions, the government often bears the heavy financial responsibility of funding national team preparations, sometimes to the detriment of other sports development programmes.
A proven partner in Ghanaian Football
MTN’s association with Ghanaian football is deep-rooted.
The telecoms leader was a major sponsor of the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations hosted in Ghana, backed the Black Stars’ 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar, and has championed grassroots football initiatives nationwide.
The company has also been the driving force behind the MTN FA Cup since the 2010–2011 season, a competition that has become one of the country’s most competitive and reliable platforms for unearthing new talent.
Event draws sporting and corporate heavyweights
The unveiling ceremony was attended by prominent figures from football and business.
Among them were John Paintsil, Assistant Coach of the Black Stars; former Black Stars goalkeeper Fatau Dauda; Black Queens captain Jennifer Cudjoe; senior GFA officials; MTN executives; technical advisors; and Ministry representatives.
The atmosphere reflected a shared commitment to ensuring that the sponsorship translates into tangible success for the national teams and lasting development for Ghanaian football.
Looking towards World Cup glory
Mr. Blewett closed his remarks with an aspirational message, expressing optimism that sustained investment and structured development could see Ghana join the ranks of World Cup-winning nations.
“Football here is not just a game — it’s part of the nation’s soul. Every Ghanaian player, whether in the senior or junior team, male or female, deserves the opportunity to shine,” he concluded.
With this $2 million injection from MTN, Ghanaian football stakeholders are optimistic that the Black Stars, Black Queens, Black Satellites, and Black Starlets will be better equipped than ever to bring glory to the nation — and inspire a new generation of footballers to dream bigger.
