Ghana’s sports sector has received a major financial boost following a GH¢5 million donation from GCB Bank in support of the Ghana national football team as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Officials of the bank, together with the Minister for Sports and Recreation, gathered at the rooftop deck of GCB Bank’s Head Office in Accra, where patrons and stakeholders witnessed the presentation in support of Ghana’s national team.
The ceremony commenced with a welcome address by the Managing Director of GCB Bank, Mr. Farihan Alhassan, who described the donation as a necessary step by the country’s largest indigenous bank toward Ghana’s sports sector.
“The World Cup is the world’s biggest sporting event and so when you have the biggest meeting, something big must happen. The biggest tournament, the biggest bank — therefore something big must happen,” he stated.
He further highlighted the impact football continues to have on national unity and identity.
“We know what football has done for this country; it unites us, it inspires us. It is that single sport that can bring Ghanaians together,” he added.
Board Chairman of GCB Bank, Professor Joshua Alab
Board Chairman of GCB Bank, Professor Joshua Alabi, also stressed the institution’s long-standing commitment to investing in talent and national development through sports.
“GCB’s commitment to national development goes beyond banking and finance. Over the years, GCB Bank has consistently supported sports as part of its development and community initiatives because we believe sports create discipline, leadership and economic opportunities,” he noted.
Professor Alabi further explained that Ghana’s qualification for the World Cup presents opportunities for national growth, making the donation an investment into the country’s future.
The Minister for Sports and Recreation expressed gratitude to GCB Bank, acknowledging the institution’s continuous support for Ghana’s sporting ecosystem.
“GCB Bank has always supported Ghana’s sports sector. Let me use this opportunity to commend the bank. They took the current staff of the Ghana Sports Fund through a three-day training programme to manage affairs of the fund. I dare say that is what has groomed them to be able to do what they are doing now,” he shared.
He further indicated that the donation would significantly support several aspects of the Black Stars’ preparations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
